Anantnag Encounter: JeM Militant killed, civilian injured

Srinagar: A Pakistani militant of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was killed and a civilian was injured critically in the encounter which ensued in south Kashmir district of Anantnag after security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on Friday morning, official sources said.
Meanwhile, two persons were injured when security forces resorted to lathicharge, burst teargas shells and fired pellets to disperse the demonstrators who were trying to disrupt the CASO against militants.
Internet service of all Cellular companies has been suspended in Anantnag district to prevent spread of rumours. However, train service in the valley also remained suspended for the third day today as a precautionary measure.
A police spokesman said on a tip off about the presence of militants troops of Rashitriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint CASO in forest area in village Khatan Mohalla Gadole Vailoo at Kokernag in Anantnag district in the wee hours of Friday at 0300 hrs.
However, with the first light this morning when the troops were moving towards particular area, militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons.
Sources said security forces blasted the house from where the militants were hiding and firing.
Security forces also retaliated ensuing in an encounter, they said adding body of a militant was recovered from the encounter site.
Police spokesman said huge quantity of ammunition and incriminating material has been seized from the site of encounter. From the incriminating material seized it is learnt that the killed militant is a Pakistani affiliated with JeM and was involved in several attacks on security forces and civilian in the area.
Police has registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated in the instant matter.
A civilian identified as Yawar Ahmad was also injured after being hit by a bullet near the encounter site, they said adding initially he was rushed to local hospital from where he was referred to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in a critical condition. Earlier, it was reported that two to three militants are trapped in the area.
They said additional security forces were rushed to the area to foil any attempt by militants to escape.
Security forces and state police personnel have also been deployed in the areas near the encounter site to prevent any demonstration.
However, people, mostly youths, hit the streets in the villages near Gadole trying to march towards the encounter site. However, they were stopped by security forces who later resorted to lathicharge, burst teargas shells and later fired pellets to disperse the demonstrators. Two persons were injured in the security force action who were hospitalized.
This was the first encounter in south Kashmir after militants shot dead three policemen, including an officer and a BJP local leader since Eid-ul-Azha on August 22.