Encounter breaks out between militants, security forces in J&K

Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in several areas of Srinagar besides several other parts of the valley to stem protests against the civilian killings.

Danish Rashid Mir, 19, of Ratnipora village and 22-yr-previous Shaista Hamid have been killed when safety forces fired at a gaggle of protesters trying to interrupt a barrier in Kakapora space the place a gunfight had taken place between separatist militants and the forces.

Srinagar Sunday condemned the killing of two innocent civilians and injuring a dozen civilians by the forces at Lelhar Pulwama.

The protests erupted after soldiers and police cordoned off southern Kakpora village to nab a hiding militant, who was later killed in a gunbattle, said police officer Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani. A large number of people despite imposition of Sec 144 cprc (sic) came near encounter site where militants were firing indiscriminately on security forces from inside. Some more miscreants / stone pelters received bullet injuries in the cross fire.

The moderate faction of Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also called for a statewide shutdown, terming the killings as “inhumane and immoral”.

Sources said two militants managed to escape while Adil was killed in a bid to escape. “She received bullets in her head while she was sitting on the verandah of her house”, they said.

Local’s told Mirror that security forces fired upon civilians in a residential area near Gousia School in Khar Mohallah.

Two civilians including a woman were killed and many were injured when police resorted to firing and teargas shells on the protesters. “They were pelting stones on security forces”, the police statement said. She was evacuated to hospital where she was declared dead, he added.

The Bar has also supported the strike call given by separatist leaders to register its protest against the killings.

Expressing solidarity with the families of victims, Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti said that heartfelt condolences to the families.