A civilian, a soldier and a militant were killed on Thursday after encounters broke out between security forces and militants in Anantnag, Budgam and Srinagar districts of Jammu and Kashmir, reports said.
Internet services were suspended in the affected areas in the wake of the encounters.
A civilian was killed during a cordon and search operation in Srinagar’s Noorbagh area, Greater Kashmir reported. The local administration imposed a curfew to avoid a law and order situation after the death of Muhammad Saleem Naik. Several locals alleged that Naik was killed in police firing and that there was no militant present during the cordon and search operation in the Noorbagh area, NDTV reported.
Clashes broke out soon after news of Naik’s death spread. The police said they have launched an inquiry into the matter.
In Anantnag’s Dooru Shahabad, a soldier and a suspected militant were killed in gunfire exchange following a cordon and search operation in Qazigund, an unidentified police official told PTI. Security forces had launched an operation in the area after they received information about the presence of militants.
In Budgam’s Panzan area, three suspected militants are believed to be trapped inside a religious shrine. Security forces are engaged in an encounter with them. No casualties have been reported yet.
Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said the personnel are trying to ensure that no damage is caused to the religious structure during the operation, NDTV reported. “We are not in a hurry,” Singh said. “We will ensure no damage is caused to religious place.”
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