3 militants, woman killed in gunfight

Tribune News Service

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Srinagar, September 17

Three local militants and a 45-year-old woman were killed, while two CRPF men, including a senior officer, were critically injured during a gunbattle in the Batamaloo area of the city here today.

The gunfight broke when joint teams of the police and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation at around 3.30 am in the congested Batamaloo area following information about the presence of militants there.

“A CRPF component led by Deputy Commandant Rahul Mathur entered the house. The search operation turned into an encounter after the militants opened fire on security forces. Mathur got injured, but he immediately retaliated and shot a militant. The injured officer was evacuated to 92 Base Hospital of the Army. His condition is critical,” a CRPF spokesman said. The operation was paused for some time due to darkness.

“At first light, the teams resumed the search and in the ensuing exchange of fire, two more militants were neutralised by the joint forces,” he added.

A civilian, Kounsar Riyaz, who was on her way to a bakery early in the morning, lost her life in the crossfire, the spokesman added.

J&K Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said all three militants killed were locals from south Kashmir. He said they also recovered weapons from their possession.

“The woman’s death is unfortunate and we express sympathy with the bereaved family,” the DGP added.

Soon after the gunfight, clashes broke out between protesters and the security forces. The protesters threw stones at the personnel, who fired tear gas shells.