A militant was killed and two policemen and a civilian injured on Thursday as government forces and militants battled each other in three places in the Kashmir Valley, authorities said.
While the first gunfight erupted in Sopore town, two gun battles were reported later from Bandipora and Baramulla districts.
Police said forces started a cordon and search operation in Hajin area in Bandipora district following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants there.
The militants who were in hiding opened fire at the forces in Mir Mohalla.
“Security forces are carrying out the operation with caution as two civilians are reportedly inside the house from where the militants are firing,” a police officer said. A civilian was rescued from the house while a 12-year-old boy remained stuck inside.
Another gunfight started in Kandi area of Baramulla district after forces resumed on Thursday morning a search operation which was suspended due to darkness on Wednesday evening.
“As the search operation was resumed, militants fired at the security forces, triggering an encounter in Kandi,” the officer said.
Two policemen – a Station House Officer (SHO) and his security guard – were injured earlier on Thursday when militants hurled a grenade at security forces in Warpora area of Sopore town.
“Both the policemen have been shifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment. The operation against the militants is going on,” a police officer said.
A civilian sustained bullet injury in his leg during clashes in main town Sopore. He too was shifted to hospital and his condition was stated to be stable.
The clashes broke out in Sopore following a search operation in the aftermath of a grenade attack at a CRPF camp in the town.
As a precaution, authorities suspended mobile Internet service in Sopore town. (With inputs from IANS)
