Civilian killed during anti-militancy ops in Shopian

One civilian was killed as clashes erupted during a search and cordon operation of security forces against hiding militants in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday evening.

The security forces’ search party faced a group of protesting youth at around the sunset, as the locals were preparing to break the fast in the holy month of Ramzan.

Security forces opened fire into the crowd of protesters, who were lending support to the trapped militants to escape the trap.

One youth, identified as Adil Farooq Magrey, a Class 12 student, a resident of Ganavpora, was declared dead in the hospital. He allegedly was hit by bullets. At least four other civilians have also sustained injuries.

There were reports of two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a commander, hiding in the area. The operation is being carried out by the Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF and the police despite a heavy spell of rainfall.

Locals said a curfew has been imposed in the area to contain protests as the clashes continued till late in the evening.

A police official refused to comment on the situation.