Srinagar: A militant from Baramulla was killed while a girl sustained bullet wounds in a pre-dawn brief encounter in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
A police spokesman said that acting on specific input regarding presence of militants, police, army’s 53 RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Khan Mohalla, Arizal in Beerwah.
“During search, militants tried to flee and came out of house and fired indiscriminately on Forces. In retaliation one unknown (militant) was killed” the spokesman said. While police said identity and group affiliation of the slain was being ascertained, local reports identified him as Shafat Ahmad of Wagoora Baramulla.
“In the incident one lady received injury in thigh while the hiding (militant) was trying to escape while firing indiscriminately. She has been promptly evacuated to hospital by the police for medical treatment and her condition is now reported to be stable,” the police spokesman said. Local sources identified the injured as 17-year-old Humaira daughter of Mohammed Maqbool Khan.
“The area is under cordon and search is being done. No collateral damage has occurred during operation. Legal proceedings have been initiated by police and investigation taken up,” the spokesman added.
Meanwhile INS Baramulla correspondent reported that internet services in the north Kashmir district has been suspended as a precautionary measure.