Major operation launched in Kupwara, women killed in crossfire

Army has launched a major operation against a large group of militants in forests of Kupwara in Kashmir Valley where a woman was killed in “crossfire” between the two sides.

“We had information about presence of seven to eight militants in Hafruda forest area and launched an operation to track them down,” Defence Spokesman Lt Colonel J.S. Brar told reporters on Monday.

He said as the troops were zeroing in on the area where the militants were hiding, the ultras opened fire, which was retaliated.

The soldiers were informed by some nomads that two of their members had been injured in crossfire.

“The firing was stopped and a woman and a man were evacuated to hospital where the woman succumbed,” he said.

He said soldiers were making all efforts to remove all the civilians and their flock to safety before resuming the operation against the militants.

The operation comes close on the heels of the army foiling a major infiltration bid by militants in Gurez sector of Bandipora district on Saturday and killing 12 ultras.