Srinagar: The 14-year-old boy was killed in cross-firing at Wangam Crossing in Kralgund area of Handwara in north Kashmir, police said.
“Today at about 1730 hrs (militants) fired indiscriminately upon joint party of Police & CRPF deployed at Wangam Crossing in Kralgund area of Handwara to enforce strict lockdown in view of Covid-19 pandemic,” a police spokesman said.
“The fire was retaliated, however during the ensuing firefight 03 CRPF personnel of 92BN sustained grievous gunshot injuries who later on succumbed to their injuries,” the spokesman said, adding, “During cross firing one civilian also got killed.”
Taking advantage of dense foliage of nearby orchards, the militants managed to escape from the spot, the spokesman said. “Search has been launched in the area to nab the (militants),” the spokesman said, adding, “Police has registered a case and officers are investigating the circumstances of this (the) crime.”
The civilian has been identified as a 14-year-old boy Hazim Shafi Bhat, a student of 7th standard, of Khipora village.
“He along with other boys in the area had taken animals for grazing. While others fled, he could not as he was physically handicapped. He could not even properly talk and would occasionally fell down,” Mohammad Rayeez, his immediate neighbour said.
His uncle Haji Ghulam Mohammad Bhat said the body was found near the site of the gunfight which is almost half a kilometre from his residence.
