Five militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizb ul Mujahideen and a civilian were killed in a gunfight and clashes in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday.
Army’s Srinagar based defense spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia in a statement said that the operation ended with the killing of five militants at Chowgam.
He said that bodies of the slain along with weapons and other warlike stores were recovered.
A police spokesman identified the slain militants as Gulzar Ahmad Padder alias Saif resident of Adijan Kulgam, Faisal Ahmad Rather alias Dawood resident of Yamrach Kulgam, Zahid Ahmad Mir alias Hashim resident of Okey Kulgam, Masroor Molvi alias Abu Darda resident of Fatehpora Anantnag and Zahoor Ahmad Lone alias Rehman Bhai resident of Nagnad Noorabad Damhal Hanjipora.
The gunfight broke out late last night after a joint team of army and SOG launched a cordon-and-search operation at Chowgam village.
In wake of the encounter, authorities suspended Internet services in parts of Kulgam and Anantnag. Railway authorities have suspended train services in the valley.
Following the gunfight, clashes erupted at Chowgam area and its adjoining parts. At least 22 protesters were injured in the clashes.
According to a police source, a youth identified as Rouf Ahmad Ganaie, son of Saleem Ganaie of Al Farooq Colony Anchidora was critically injured after being hit by a bullet near the gunfight site.
He was rushed to a hospital in Srinagar, however, he died on the way. Saleem had sustained a bullet wound in his neck.
Five Rebels, Civilian killed in Kulgam gunfight, Scores injured during clashes
