Two civilians killed in Kashmir, Mehbooba slams firing by security forces

Tension has gripped Kashmir after two persons including a 22-year-girl were killed and a dozen others injured when security forces allegedly opened fire on protestors in Pulwama district in South Kashmir on Sunday following an encounter in which a local militant was killed.

Locals added that when some youths shouted slogans near the encounter site security forces swiftly came into action and lobbed teargas shells and direct bullets towards the protesters.

Strongly condemning the death of “two civilians in the firing by security forces”, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, termed the incident as unfortunate and uncalled for.

The protests broke out after an encounter between security forces and terrorists.

“An encounter has started in Kakapora area of Pulwama district after a cordon and search operation was launched in the area”, an army official said.

As Sunday’s killings have generated anger in Kashmir Valley and various separatist groups have called for a strike on Monday to protest and mourn these, the authorities have asked for tightening security. Police sources said that two militants managed to escape.

Some people from the neighbouring Lalhar village indulged in heavy stone pelting at the security forces who had cordoned off the area during the gunfight. Irate crowds clashed with police also in central Srinagar after hearing about the Pulwama incidents.

Police said the clashes erupted in Astan Mohalla (Kakapora) area of Pulwama in the afternoon as a mob hurled stones at the security forces even as a gunfight was raging on between guerrillas and security personnel in the area.

“Indian troops present in J&K were committing crimes against humanity and unleashing terror due to the unbridled powers enjoyed by them”, said moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. “The merciless killing of innocent civilians is the worst example of state-sponsored terrorism”. Senior civil and police officers rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.