Srinagar: Violent clashes broke out at Dalwan area of Charar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday after army claimed to have killed an unidentified militant in an encounter.
Officials told GNS that an army party was moving towards village Dalwan in Chrar-e-Sharief this afternoon when it came under fire from the militants. In the retaliatory fire one unidentified gunman got killed.
“From his possession, one SLR, one Pouch, 4 magazines, 13 rounds, one grenade and PAN Card was recovered,” Srinagar based, army spokesman in a statement issued late evening said.
The spokesman said that the PAN card identifies the slain as Tauseef Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Hassan of Pulwama. “The police party has taken took the possession of the body and is trying to ascertain the identity of the body,” the spokesman added.
However, police sources told GNS that the incident took place when two youth on a motorbike (JKO4A- 451) were intercepted by the army team in the village after receiving intelligence inputs suggesting militant movement in the area. While the pillion rider managed to escape, the biker was shot dead by army when he tried to open fire upon the army men.
“After killing him, the army took the body in their custody,” sources said. The news of the killing of the alleged militant spread like wildfire in the village. Hundreds of people came out on the roads and staged pro-freedom demonstrations. Chanting pro-Independence, pro-militants and anti-India slogans, the protesters tried to march towards the army camp. However, the CRPF troopers and police, who had reached the spot, burst teargas canisters. The forces also opened fire when the agitated protesters refused to budge. At least four people, including a policeman Bashir Ahmed were injured in the clashes. A youth, who received bullet injury in the clashes, has been referred to Srinagar hospital for treatment. He has been identified as Bilal Ahmad Sheikh son of Mohammad Afzal of Pakerpora. The clashes were going on when the last reports came in. (GNS)