Two civilians were reportedly killed near the encounter site in south Kashmir's Arwani village in Kulgam, where three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants are believed to be trapped.
The civilian was identified as Kharpora village resident Mohammad Ashraf Khar. He was apparently hit by a bullet during the clash between the security forces and the locals. According to the hospital sources, he died of his injuries.
The police, however, are yet to confirmed his death. More than 12 civilians were reported injured during the search and cordon operation in Arwani.
Initial reports suggested that following a tip-off, the Army and the police’s Special Operations Group cordoned off Eidgah Mohalla in Arwani area in the early hours and they came under fire from the trapped militants. “We suspect three militants are hiding in the area. We cannot immediately confirm any other details,” said a police official.
Sources said the police suspected that LeT commander Junaid Mattoo may be among the trapped militants. There were unconfirmed reports of one militant killed so far.
The authorities snapped Internet services in parts of south Kashmir to contain protests.
Meanwhile, Bandipora resident Nazir Ahmad, who was injured in a firing by the Shashatra Seema Bal in Srinagar’s Rangreth, died of his injuries in the morning.
Two policemen were killed in twin attacks in Kashmir on Thursday.
