One Hizbul Mujahideen militant was killed and another injured in an operation in Anantnag on Tuesday, as a civilian died in security forces’ firing in a separate incident in Kulgam.
“One militant was killed when a search party came under fire from hiding militants in Kokernag’s Larnoo area on Tuesday. Another militant, who was injured, managed to escape,” said Deputy Inspector General, south Kashmir, Swayam Prakash Pani.
The slain militant was identified as Farhan Ahmad Wani of Kulgam’s Redwani area. “One INSAS rifle, two magazines and 42 rounds were recovered from the encounter site,” said Mr. Pani.
The slain militant, according to the police, was “a hardcore stone-thrower” and joined the militancy “eight months ago.” The killing of the militant sparked violent protests in Kokernag and Redwani. Security forces used smoke shells to contain the situation.
In a separate incident, one civilian, identified as Khalid Ahmad Dar, died of bullet injuries as security forces fired upon a protesting mob.
Pelt stones
A police official said two civilians sustained bullet injuries when a mob pelted stones on the Army camp located at Kudwani. “Some unidentified militants from the mob also fired some shots towards the Army camp,” said the police.
Dar, 22, who sustained a bullet injury on the neck succumbed at the hospital, said the police. Another man was hit in the shoulder and is stable, he added.
Meanwhile, a BSF driver was arrested after his vehicle hit a civilian in Kulgam, fuelling more protests in Kulgam. The incident is being probed, said the police.
Two militants held
The police in north Kashmir’s Sopore arrested two militants and busted a module. “Two terrorists hiding near a school, who tried to open fire on security forces, were overpowered and arrested on January 7.
The arrested militants were identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Chopan alias Haroon and Shija-ud-din Sheikh.
