Clashes erupt in Trichal after search operation

Pulwama: Clashes erupted in Trichal village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after local youth pelted stones on army vehicles returning back from a search operation towards their base camp.
Earlier, 55 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian Army, 183 Battalion of Para-military Central Reserve Police Force and Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police had launched a search operation in twin villages of Naira and Tahab.
The Forces had cordoned off these villages after receiving information about the presence of militants in these hamlets.
Sources said that the operation was called off after no contact with militants was established.
As the Government Forces retreated and reached Trichal Village, scores of youth blocked their way and pelted stones on them. The Forces responded with tear-smoke shells.
A police official said that the situation was brought under control and the youth were chased away.
The clashes disrupted life in the village while shopkeepers lowered their shutters. (CNS)