Conflict

Two civilians killed during clashes near encounter site in Dialgam

Photo: Hilal Shah

Lashkari was behind the killing of six cops in Achbal: IGP Khan

Srinagar: Police on Saturday claimed that two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were killed during the encounter in Dialgam area of Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

During the encounter, clashes erupted between government forces and locals in which two civilians were killed. Police claimed that a 41-year old woman identified as Tahira died in ‘crossfire’. However the locals said that she was killed after forces opened fire on the protesters who were marching towards the encounter site.

Another civilian identified as Shadab Ahmed received a bullet in his face. He was taken to SKIMS for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. A local source present near the encounter site said that the forces used two civilians as human shields to prevent the protesters from throwing stone at the forces. This could not be verified.

Inspector General of Police Munir Khan told the news agency KNS that following specific information about the presence of militants in the area, Police and forces cordoned off the area and launched search operation during which the militants opened fire triggering a gunfight.

He also informed that two militants were been killed in the Dialgam encounter.

Khan said that one among the militants has been identified as Bashir Ahmed alias Bashir Lashkari.

IGP pointed out that Lashkari was behind the killing of six cops including an SHO killed in Achabal area of Anantnag district on 16 June this year.

The Army identified the second militant as Azad Ahmad alias Azad Dada of Arwani area of Bijbehara.

Meanwhile, during intense clashes that ensued during the encounter more than 20 people sustained pellet injuries and were treated at PHC Breinthi.

The IGP also added that two civilians who were injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital and are stable.

 

With inputs from KNS

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