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Kashmir: Foreign JeM militant killed in encounter with security forces
A teenager was injured in clashes that erupted between protesters and security forces near the encounter site.
A foreign Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday, police said.
“Security forces were conducting a search operation in Kokernag’s Vailoo area early on Friday when they encountered some militants. One of them was killed in the shootout that ensued,” a police spokesperson said, adding that a large quantity of ammunition was recovered from the spot.
“From the incriminating material seized from the militants, it has been learnt that the slain person is a Pakistani affiliated with the JeM terror outfit. He was involved in several attacks on security personnel and civilians in the area,” the spokesperson said.
Army spokesman Rajesh Kalia also confirmed the militant’s death.
Protester injured
A police officer from Anantnag said youngsters from the locality pelted stones at security forces while the encounter was on, forcing them to retaliate. A teenager – identified as Yawar Majeed – was injured after a bullet grazed his head, and had to be hospitalised.
There has been a sudden escalation of tension in Jammu and Kashmir since Eid, coinciding with the arrival of new governor Satya Pal Malik. Three policemen were killed by gunmen in separate incidents across south Kashmir even as hundreds of protesters clashed with police after the Eid prayers.
A BJP worker was kidnapped by suspected militants on Tuesday, and his bullet-riddled body was found in south Kashmir’s Pulwama the next morning. Militants shot dead a forest department official at Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday.
Satya Pal Malik was sworn in as the 13th governor of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. He replaced NN Vohra, who has held the post since 2008.
