Anantnag: One more civilian was killed and at least 40 others were injured near site of encounter between government forces and militants in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Wednesday. Earlier a civilian was killed.
A doctor at local hospital told INS that a 16-year-old Bilal Ahmad Tantray of Qoimoh, with bullet injuries in his chest, was brought dead. As per hospital sources, 35 injured persons with bullet, pellet and other injures were brought to the hospital while some others were removed directly to Anantnag hospital. Earlier, a civilian, Sharjeel Ahmad Sheikh 928) son of Abdul Hameed of Khudwani, was killed near the encounter site.
A police officer said that it was not immediately known whether he died in “cross firing” or “otherwise”.
Reports said that hundreds of youth took to streets and clashed with the government forces at Wani Mohalla of Khudwani.
As reported earlier, a youth identified as Sharjeel Ahmad Sheikh was brought to Anantnag hospital after suffering bullet injuries in his chest, sources said. He died at the hospital, reports said. However, it could not be immediately known whether Sarjeel died during clashes or he suffered the fatal bullet injuries inside his home. Hospital sources said that those accompanying Sarjeel to hospital claimed that he suffered bullet inside the bathroom of his house. It however could not be official confirmed immediately. Another youth Sarfaraz Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Gani Bhat of Howura Kulgam who sustained serious injuries near the encounter site have been referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment.
Meanwhile, the authorities have ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in Kulgam district in view of the ongoing gunfight and the clashes. The train service between Srinagar and south Kashmir and vice versa has been suspended.
