Srinagar
Three militants killed in a gunfight with the government forces in Kharpora Sirnoo village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday were affiliated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.
An official identified them as Adnan alias Tahir Hizbi, a resident of Karimabad, Bilal Ahmad alias Hashim, a resident of Rajpora and a former army man Zahoor Ahmad who deserted the army ranks and joined militancy.
He said the trio were killed in an encounter with government forces in Sirnoo in Kharpora village of Pulwama district. An army man was also killed in a gunfight.
The gunfight broke out early morning following a search operation launched by the forces.
The official said as the forces approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants opened fire, triggering a gunfight.
Seven civilians were also killed and several others suffered injuries during clashes.
The slain civilians were identified as Shahbaz Ali, a resident of Monghama village, Suhail Ahmad of Bellow, Liyaqat Ahmad from Parigam, Murtaza of Prichoo, Amir Ahmad Palla of Ashminder, Touseef Ahmad Mir of Chersoo Pulwama and Abid Hussain Lone of Kareemabad.
