A civilian was killed and a soldier injured during a gun battle between security forces and hiding militants in south Kashmir’s Kulgam on Friday. However, the militants managed to escape from the encounter site.
The police said the injured civilian has succumbed to his injuries, while the injured soldier was undergoing treatment at 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.
The deceased civilian was identified as Manzoor Lone from Redwani Bala.
The injured soldier was identified as Kiran Singh of the Army’s 1RR.
Officials said the contact with the hiding militants could not be re-established after the initial exchange of fire.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General (ADGP) Vijay Kumar said the police have identified two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants behind the attack on non-local labourers on Thursday. One non-local labourer was killed and two others injured in the attack in Pulwama.
“The attackers came on a bike. Very soon they will be either arrested or neutralised,” ADGP Kumar said.
He said the “hybrid” militants were no longer a challenge. “The police are able to identify them and arrest or neutralise them,” he said.
ADGP Kumar said the trend where thousands of people used to attend militants’ funerals and glorify them has also stopped. “No stone pelting takes place at encounter sites anymore. A good atmosphere has been created. Public should understand the motive of militants and Pakistan,” he added.
