Militants disappear after exchange of fire in Pulwama

Pulwama: After a brief exchange of fire militants reportedly managed to flee from the spot in Littar area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Reliable sources said that after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in Littar village, 3 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian Army assisted by SOG of Jammu Kashmir Police and Para-military troopers launched a search operation at around 3:30 of Wednesday morning.
As the search operation started, militants believed to be two in numbers fired upon Forces personnel who also retaliated effectively. The exchange of fire that continued for about five minutes created panic in the area.
Locals said that firing stopped after five minutes while militants manage to flee from the area. The operation was called off at around 5:15 am.
A police denied the reports that any militant managed to flee from the spot.
The nocturnal search operation was also launched at Dalipora and Washbugh areas of Pulwama district. An official said that these operations concluded peacefully.
Meanwhile, in Chowan Kellar area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district, Government Forces vandalized houses and parked vehicles after they came under attack from local youth during Cordon and Search Operation.
Eyewitnesses said that Government Forces laid a siege around Chown Kellar village after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area. However, local youth hit to roads and pelted stones of Forces personnel. The combined forces retaliated with tear-smoke shells.
Locals alleged that shortly after the culmination of search operation, Government Forces thrashed people and vandalized property. They said dozens of parked vehicles were damaged be retreating soldiers.
The vandalizing of vehicles and houses sparked massive protest in the area.
Meanwhile, clashes also erupted during a search operation in Palapora Wasoora area of Pulwama district. Reports said that at least three youth suffered pellet injuries during these clashes.
Reports added that during the clashes a youth identified as Muntazir Ahmed Bhat son of Nazir Ahmed received pellets in head. He was shifted to District Hospital Shopian.