Srinagar: Clashes erupted in Pulwama district of south Kashmir while shopkeepers lowered their shutters on Thursday afternoon after news spread that two local militants were surrounded by the government forces in Khunmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The gunfight erupted in Balhama area of Khunmoh after militants attacked the policemen guarding a Bharatiya Janata Party leader Anwar Khan. A policeman was injured in the attack.
Unconfirmed reports said that three militants were surrounded by the forces in a residential house in Balhama area. There were reports of intermittent firing between the two sides. However, there was no immediate report of any casualties.
Witnesses said that youth took to streets in Murran Chowk of Pulwama town and Main Bus Stand in Tral after reports suggested that two militants – residents of Tral and Awantipora areas – were surrounded by the forces in Balhama.
The protesters, they said, pelted the forces with stones. The latter responded by firing tear gas. Amid the chaos, shopkeepers lowered their shutters.