Srinagar
Another civilian has succumbed to injuries at a local hospital in Shopian, taking the death toll of civilians killed during clashes following a gunfight in Khudwani area of Kulgam district to three, reports said.
The civilian identified as Faisal Ilahi, a resident of Melhooora Sangam area of south Kashmir died after he was hit by a bullet fired by the government forces, witnesses said.
Earlier, two civilians were killed and at least 35 others injured near site of encounter.
A doctor at Qoimoh hospital said that a 16-year-old civilian Bilal Ahmad Tantray of Qoimoh was brought dead. He had bullet injuries on the right side of his chest, the doctor said. He said the hospital received 35 injured persons having bullet, pellet and injures due to teargas shells. Earlier, a civilian, Sharjeel Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Hameed of Khudwani, was killed near the encounter site.
An army soldier was killed and two others injured during the encounter at Wani Mohall area of Khudwani. The encounter started between militants and government forces started late last night in Khudwani.
Official sources told a local news agency that a joint team of army’s 1 R, SOG and CRPF laid a siege at Wani Mohalla area of Khudwani at around 11:30 pm.
A police official told that the joint team of forces launched a cordon in the area following inputs about the presence of some militants.
As the joint party approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants opened fire triggering off a gunfight.
Three army personnel suffered injuries and were removed to army hospital at Badamibagh where one of the succumbed to injuries. Schools and colleges were closed and internet suspended.
