None but civilian killed as gunfight ends in Shopian

SRINAGAR — Gunfight which erputed yesterday in Pinjoora village of Shopian has ended with the killing of one civilian. However, militants have managed to flee from the site.

Sources said that no militant body was recoverd from the encounter site and the operation was called off after more than 18 hours.

Dozens of youth were injured during the intense clashes which broke shortly after forces cordoned off the area.

Militants which were trapped managed to give slip to forces after initial brief exchange of fire. However, they were again trapped ensuing to gunfight.

Sources said that firing stopped at evening and combing off the site was carried for hours. However, no dead body was recovered from the site.

Earlier, sources said that one militant was killed in the said gunfight, however no body was retreived.

Sources said that the operation was called off after almost 18 hours.

One youth identified as Sajad Ahmad Parray from Badrahama Shopian was killed during clashes after he was hit with a bullet. Dozens of others received pellet injuries.

One cowshed and water tank was destroyed in the gunfight. One Army man also got injured in the gunfight.

A police officer said that operation has been called off in the area and investigations would be done to ascertain facts as regards the killing of civilian and injuries to others.

“The probe will encompass circumstances leading to use of force,” the officer added.