Army resorts to aerial firing in Karimabad

Pulwama: Clashes erupted in Karimabad village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after combined forces entered into the village for search operation purpose.
Locals said that as the army emerged in the village, large number of people hit to roads and pelted stones on army vehicles.
Locals added that army fired several rounds in air, however, they were continuously attacked by youth.
The reports said that army left the area after the clashes. The clashes left a couple of youth wounded.
An official said that no search operation was launched in the village. He said that army was passing through the village when some youth pelted stones on their vehicles. “Army exercised restraint and left the village without any retaliation,” he claimed.
At present there are two militants active in the village. As per police sources, Adnan Hamid Bhat alias Tahir and Zahid Manzoor alias Uzair, both residents of Karimabad are affiliated with Hizbul Mujhadeen.
In 2015, a cop Naseer Pandit from the same village had joined militancy along with his three associates Tariq Pandit, Bilal Ahmed and Afaq Ahmed when he fled from the residence of incumbent Education Minister along with two rifles. Naseer and Afaq the son of a policeman were killed in a gunfight while Tariq Pandit is behind the bar.
Meanwhile, a search operation was also launched at Manchiwa Yaripora village of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Manchiva is the native village of active militant Dr Hilal and the slain LeT Commander Ishfaq Paddar.
Reports said that search operation culminated peacefully.