Srinagar, Dec 15 (UNI) Six persons were killed and several others injured when security forces opened fire, burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge on Saturday to disperse demonstrators who hit the streets in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, where an encounter ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), official sources said.
Mobile internet service has been suspended in Pulwama as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours. Train service has also been suspended in the valley for security reasons.
Three militants were killed and a soldier martyred and another jawan injured in the encounter.
Official sources said people, mostly youths, hit the streets at Sirnoo and adjoining areas in Pulwama immediately after encounter ensued between militants and security forces. However, when the demonstrators, raising slogans, tried to move towards the encounter area to disrupt the operation, security forces and state police personnel swung into action and resorted to lathicharge to disperse them.
Later, security forces opened fire and burst teargas shells after the demonstrators refused to disperse, they said, adding that clashes were going on when the reports last came in. Several persons were injured, they said, adding that the injured were rushed to hospital, where six of them succumbed. The condition of some of the injured was critical.
The deceased were identified as Amir Ahmad Palla, a resident of Ashminder and Abid Hussain, resident of Kareemabad, Shahbaz Ali, resident of Monghama, Suhail Ahmad of Bellow, Liyaqat Ahmad from Parigam and Murtaza of Prichoo.
UNI BAS SV 1305