3 militants killed in encounter in Pulwama in South Kashmir

Srinagar

A joint team of police and army cordoned-off Panzgam village in Pulwama district after receiving specific intelligence about the presence of militants in the area, an army official said.

As the forces were conducting a search operation, the hiding militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter, the official said.

He said in the ensuing gunfight, three militants - all locals who belonged to Hizbul Mujhahdeen militant group were killed.

They were identified as Ashfaq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dogipura, Ishfaq Ahmad Baba, a resident of Tahab and Haseeb Ahmad, a resident of Brao Bandyun, he said.

Three weapons have also been recovered from the encounter site, he added.

Meanwhile, a civilian was injured in a grenade explosion at the encounter site after the gunfight was over, a police official said.

He said some people had assembled at the encounter site when a grenade lying there suddenly went off.

One civilian, Wakeel Ahmed Shergujri, was injured in the explosion, the official said, adding he was taken to SKIMS Hospital where his condition is said to be stable.