Budgam encounter ends after 11 hours; 3 civilians, 1 militant killed

Srinagar: One militant and three stone pelters were killed in an anti-militancy operation launched by security forces in Budgam district in Kashmir, which lasted for more than 11 hours.

Speaking over the encounter, an Army official said, "One militant has been killed and a weapon has been recovered from the encounter spot."

According to a police official, the encounter has finally ended, and one para-trooper has also sustained injuries.

The stone pelters in the encounter were in their twenties, while 18 others have sustained injuries in the operation carried out by the security forces. Protesters had gathered in large numbers and were pelting stones on the law enforcing personnel allegedly to ensure that the holed up militant escape.

The police officials further revealed that the security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Durbugh area of Chadoora early on Tuesday after getting tipoff regarding the presence of militants in the area.

He said that the search operation soon turned into a gun battle after the militant opened fire on the security forces. The slain civilians have been identified as Zahid Dar, Saqib Ahmad and Ishfaq Ahmad Wani. All of them had firearm injuries, the official said.