SRINAGAR : The security forces gunned down four militants of Hizbul Mujaheddin in an encounter at Frisal Kulgam area of South Kashmir on Sunday morning. In the encounter two security forces and two civilians were also killed in the cross fire. Three army personals were injured and were airlifted to the Army Base Hospital in Srinagar.
Official sources said, “Acting on a tip-off of Jammu and Kashmir Police, a cordon was thrown around Nagbal village in Frisal, about 70 km south of Srinagar by the army, police and para-military forces at around 4.30 am.
In an over-night gun battle which resumed Sunday morning, put the death toll up to nine. Three army personals were injured and sources said that their condition is stable.
Officials said that the intelligence input was clear that militants were hiding in a house in the village following which a cordon was thrown around the locality. On being spotted by the troops, who were accompanied by the house owner, militants heavily fired, in which two soldiers, identified as Lance Naik Raghuvir Sigh and Lance Naik Gopal Singh Badoria were killed.
In the gun battle thereafter, three militants managed to escape in the nearby jungles while four other militants belonging to banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit were killed. Out of the four militants, three have been identified as Mudasir Ahmed Tantray, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Azhar Ahmed. Allthe militants were local residents. “We are ascertaining their identities,” Official added.
Four weapons have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle as security forces were also trying to ascertain the identity and group affiliation of the slain militants.
According to PTK reporter, there are massive protests going on in the area. The people from surrounding villages are marching towards the spot of encounter. A man was killed by the security personals during the protests that erupted after the encounter.
“Fifteen youngsters were injured by the use of bullets and tear gases used by the forces to disperse the protestors” Officials said.
“The protester was identified as Mushtaq Ibrahim, 24, from Sirgufwara. The youth probably died of bullet wounds” said Deputy Inspector General of South Kashmir SP Pani, adding that the other injured protesters are out of danger.
“We have referred at least 15 wounded youngsters to the Anantnag district hospital,” said Kulgam Chief Medical Officer Dr Shafi while talking to PTK. “We are compiling more reports of the kind from adjoining areas” he added.
