Pulwama encounter: One soldier, three militants among 5 killed, two jawans, civilian injured

Srinagar, May 16: A soldier and three militants were among five persons killed and two jawans and civilian injured in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama in the wee hours of Thursday, official sources said.

Meanwhile, authorities imposed restrictions in main town Pulwama and adjoining areas besides suspended mobile internet service as a precautionary measure.

Sources said troops of Rashitriya Rifles (RR), CRPF and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint search operation in village Dalipora, Pulwama, following a tip off about the presence of militants in the wee hours.

After sealing all exit points, security forces launched searches in the area, they said. However when the security forces were moving towards a particular area in the village, militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons, they said adding fire was returned ensuing in an encounter. Three security force personnel and a civilian identified as Youns Jalal, a local resident were injured in the shootout.

The injured soldiers were airlifted from Pulwama to 92 Base hospital, Badami Bagh Cantonment where one of them identified as Sandeep Kumar succumbed.

Younus was rushed to local hospital from where he was referred to Srinagar, they said.

Sources said bodies of four persons, including three militants, were recovered from the site of encounter adding operation is almost over. The identity of dead persons was being ascertained, they said.

Meanwhile, security forces imposed restrictions in the main town Pulwama and adjoining areas after clashes broke out early this morning. All roads leading to main town have been sealed and nobody was being allowed enter there. People were directed to remain indoor, they said.