A fresh terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has heightened security concerns after the Pakistan-backed terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility and threatened more attacks targeting non-local workers in the Valley.

The death toll has risen to two after an injured migrant worker succumbed to injuries at the Government Medical College, Anantnag. The victims were among migrant workers who came under indiscriminate firing by terrorists in the Kalamaria area of Kulgam. Both deceased workers were residents of Chhattisgarh.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, terrorists deliberately targeted non-local workers. Security officials believe the attack was carried out by hybrid terrorists with no prior criminal records. Following the incident, security forces launched a massive search operation, cordoned off the area, and heightened security across the Valley.

Jammu & Kashmir Terror Attack | Security Forces Launch Massive Operation In Kulgam

A non-local labourer on Wednesday was shot dead by terrorists at Jablipora Bijbehera in Anantnag, South Kashmir. He succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police said that terrorists fired upon a non-local labourer from Bihar in the Jablipora area in Bijbehara.&nbsp;The injured was rushed to the hospital for treatment, while forces cordoned off the area where the terrorist attack took place.&nbsp;

The injured was identified as Raja Shah, son of Shankar Shah, a resident of Bihar. As per locals, he was shot at from a close range and was hit by two bullets in his neck and abdomen.&nbsp;

The injured labourer succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital and was declared dead at the hospital.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a massive search operation has been launched in the area, to nab the terrorists involved in the attack.&nbsp;

A non-local labourer on Wednesday was shot dead by terrorists at Jablipora Bijbehera in Anantnag, South Kashmir. He succumbed to his injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Police said that terrorists fired upon a non-local labourer from Bihar in the Jablipora area in Bijbehara.

A non-local labourer on Wednesday was shot dead by terrorists at Jablipora Bijbehera in Anantnag, South Kashmir. He succumbed to his injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Police said that terrorists fired upon a non-local labourer from Bihar in the Jablipora area in Bijbehara. The injured was rushed to the hospital for treatment, while forces cordoned off the area where the terrorist attack took place. The injured was identified as Raja Shah, son of Shankar Shah, a resident of Bihar. As per locals, he was shot at from a close range and was hit by two bullets in his neck and abdomen. The injured labourer succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital and was declared dead at the hospital. Meanwhile, a massive search operation has been launched in the area, to nab the terrorists involved in the attack.

Non-local labourer shot dead by terrorists in South Kashmir

Terrorist encounter underway in Rajouri, 2 terrorists still in hiding. Four Indian army Personnel including two officers have been killed in the line of duty. Three other soldiers have been injured according to 16 core Commander unit. The injured have been transported to Army's command Hospital in Udhampur.

Another terrorist encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

Today (September 13), a skirmish broke out in South Kashmir's Anantnag district between covert militants and security forces. At the same time, another militant was killed by security personnel during the ongoing anti-militancy operation in Rajouri, increasing the total to two.

Two terrorists gunned down in J&K, massive army deployment in South Kashmir | WION

In a far-flung village called Sadiwara in South Kashmir. The village panchayat head has started a unique initiative for saving the environment. He has started a campaign called ''give plastic and take gold'' where people of the village are asked to collect all the plastic and give it to the panchayat head, who in return will give them a gold coin.

This village in Kashmir has started unique crusade against plastic to combat climate change

In India, Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an extortion racket in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police have arrested five accused involved in extorting money from people while impersonating as terrorists. Fake toy weapons and a vehicle—used in the commission of crime—have been recovered from their possession.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;Police had received multiple complaints from the residents of Katrasoo, Matibugh and Tarigam and nearby areas that a group of masked men impersonating as terrorists entered their houses and threatened them with weapons thereby extorting money and taking away valuable items from them.&nbsp;

During the course of the investigation, a special team led by SHO PS Yaripora was constituted to probe the matter. Multiple raids were conducted at various locations to unearth the involved module.&nbsp;

"Generating specific information regarding the involved module, the accused persons were identified and subsequently arrested at a special checkpoint established at Yaripora Kulgam. They have been identified as Nazir Mushtaq son of Mushtaq Ahmed Malik, resident of Pinjoora Shopian, Karman Ahmad son of Mohd Ashraf Deedad, resident of Draklarn Abhama, Khalid Hussain son of Mushtaq Deedad, Rizwan Ah Deedad son of Mohd Azan and Abrar Ahmad Teedwa son of Mohd Yosuf Teedwa, residents of Sangarwani, Pulwama," said an official of Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

Police recovered two toy guns, one toy pistol, two cutters, five mobile phones and five masks from their possession. Besides, the vehicle used in the commission of the crime has also been seized.&nbsp;

Further investigation into the matter is in progress.&nbsp;Police have advised people to remain vigilant and report such incidents to the nearest police stations.&nbsp;

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In India, Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an extortion racket in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police have arrested five accused involved in extorting money from people while impersonating as terrorists.

In India, Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an extortion racket in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police have arrested five accused involved in extorting money from people while impersonating as terrorists. Fake toy weapons and a vehicle—used in the commission of crime—have been recovered from their possession. Jammu and Kashmir Police had received multiple complaints from the residents of Katrasoo, Matibugh and Tarigam and nearby areas that a group of masked men impersonating as terrorists entered their houses and threatened them with weapons thereby extorting money and taking away valuable items from them. During the course of the investigation, a special team led by SHO PS Yaripora was constituted to probe the matter. Multiple raids were conducted at various locations to unearth the involved module. "Generating specific information regarding the involved module, the accused persons were identified and subsequently arrested at a special checkpoint established at Yaripora Kulgam. They have been identified as Nazir Mushtaq son of Mushtaq Ahmed Malik, resident of Pinjoora Shopian, Karman Ahmad son of Mohd Ashraf Deedad, resident of Draklarn Abhama, Khalid Hussain son of Mushtaq Deedad, Rizwan Ah Deedad son of Mohd Azan and Abrar Ahmad Teedwa son of Mohd Yosuf Teedwa, residents of Sangarwani, Pulwama," said an official of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Police recovered two toy guns, one toy pistol, two cutters, five mobile phones and five masks from their possession. Besides, the vehicle used in the commission of the crime has also been seized. Further investigation into the matter is in progress. Police have advised people to remain vigilant and report such incidents to the nearest police stations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: J&K Police bust extortion racket in South Kashmir, nab five; toy guns & pistols seized

Four terrorists were killed in two different operations in south Kashmir today. Two operations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Awantipora districts were carried out by security forces leading to the killing of four terrorists. The Jammu and Kashmir Police also arrested three hybrid terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit LeT/TRF in Srinagar and recovered explosive materials on their disclosure.&nbsp;

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Semthan Bijbehara area of Anantnag following input regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. &nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Police said that As the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively by the joint party leading to an encounter.

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“In the ensuing encounter, one local terrorist identified as Shakir Ahmad son of Habibullah resident of Ladermud was killed. As per Police records the killed terrorist was linked with proscribed terror outfit HM and was involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on Police/SFs and civilian atrocities, “ said ADGP Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

There was one more story encounter in the Khandipora area of Awantipora in which three terrorists were killed during the operation.&nbsp;

“In the ensuing encounter, 03 terrorists were killed. Among the killed terrorists, 01 is a foreign terrorist and another one is a LeT terrorist commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat while the identification of the third killed terrorist is being ascertained. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were involved in several terror crimes including killing of 01 ASI of CRPF &amp; 2 RPF personnel. As per the source, Mukhtar Bhat along with FT was going for a fidayeen attack on the security force camp,” said ADGP Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

Police also recovered Incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifles, 01 AK-56 rifles &amp; 01 pistols from the operation site.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir Police also arrested three hybrid terrorists in Srinagar. Police had established a checkpoint at Harnambal and arrested two hybrid terrorists identified as Aamir Mushtaq Dar son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar resident of Iqbalabad Sozaith Budgam and Kabil Rashid son of Abdul Rashid Dar resident of Sicop Mohalla HMT Srinagar. Incriminating materials and two grenades were recovered from their possession.&nbsp;

According to the police “During questioning, they disclosed the name of another associate namely Aqib Jamal Bhat son of Mohd Jamal Bhat resident of Sozaith Budgam. In a swift action, he was also arrested. On his disclosure, an IED of approximately 10 kg was recovered in the Rangreth area by a joint team of Srinagar Police and Army (62RR) which was later destroyed by the Bomb Disposal squad. All three arrested hybrid terrorists are linked with LeT/TRF,” said ADGP Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

Four terrorists were killed in two different operations in south Kashmir today. Two operations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Awantipora districts were carried out by security forces leading to the killing of four terrorists.

Four terrorists were killed in two different operations in south Kashmir today. Two operations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Awantipora districts were carried out by security forces leading to the killing of four terrorists. The Jammu and Kashmir Police also arrested three hybrid terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit LeT/TRF in Srinagar and recovered explosive materials on their disclosure. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Semthan Bijbehara area of Anantnag following input regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. Jammu and Kashmir Police said that As the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively by the joint party leading to an encounter. Also read | US Supreme Court blocks committee from getting Trump's tax records “In the ensuing encounter, one local terrorist identified as Shakir Ahmad son of Habibullah resident of Ladermud was killed. As per Police records the killed terrorist was linked with proscribed terror outfit HM and was involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on Police/SFs and civilian atrocities, “ said ADGP Vijay Kumar. There was one more story encounter in the Khandipora area of Awantipora in which three terrorists were killed during the operation. “In the ensuing encounter, 03 terrorists were killed. Among the killed terrorists, 01 is a foreign terrorist and another one is a LeT terrorist commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat while the identification of the third killed terrorist is being ascertained. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were involved in several terror crimes including killing of 01 ASI of CRPF & 2 RPF personnel. As per the source, Mukhtar Bhat along with FT was going for a fidayeen attack on the security force camp,” said ADGP Vijay Kumar. Police also recovered Incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifles, 01 AK-56 rifles & 01 pistols from the operation site. Also read | Cases declining but Monkeypox remains a 'global health emergency': WHO Jammu and Kashmir Police also arrested three hybrid terrorists in Srinagar. Police had established a checkpoint at Harnambal and arrested two hybrid terrorists identified as Aamir Mushtaq Dar son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar resident of Iqbalabad Sozaith Budgam and Kabil Rashid son of Abdul Rashid Dar resident of Sicop Mohalla HMT Srinagar. Incriminating materials and two grenades were recovered from their possession. According to the police “During questioning, they disclosed the name of another associate namely Aqib Jamal Bhat son of Mohd Jamal Bhat resident of Sozaith Budgam. In a swift action, he was also arrested. On his disclosure, an IED of approximately 10 kg was recovered in the Rangreth area by a joint team of Srinagar Police and Army (62RR) which was later destroyed by the Bomb Disposal squad. All three arrested hybrid terrorists are linked with LeT/TRF,” said ADGP Vijay Kumar.

Terrorists including LeT commander killed in twin operations in south Kashmir

In India, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in South Kashmir's Tral area. Jammu and Kashmir police said that the terrorists belonged to Ansar Ul Gazwatul Hind and Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit.

In India, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in South Kashmir's Tral area. Jammu and Kashmir police said that the terrorists belonged to Ansar Ul Gazwatul Hind and Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit. The encounter started in the early hours today when security forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area. Cordon and search operation was launched and during the search operation, terrorists fired on security forces resulting in a gun battle. Jammu and Kashmir Police also stated that the same terrorists were involved in the killing of a sarpanch recently in the Khonmoh area of Srinagar. "AGuH terrorist Safat Muzzaffar Sofi @ Muavia and LeT’s terrorist Umer Teli @ Talha killed in Tral. Before shifting to Tral area both were involved in several terror crimes in Srinagar city including recent killing of Sarpanch (Sameer Ahmad) in Khanmoh Srinagar," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police's DG Dilbagh Singh had said that 42 terrorists were killed in the last 3 months in the Kashmir Valley. He also said that 32 Foreign terrorists mostly Pakistani’s were killed in the year 2021. ''In the past three months we have killed 42 terrorists and we are also acting against a lot of OGW's.32 foreign terrorists were killed in 2021 who had come from Pakistan. This year also we have managed to kill a good number of foreign terrorists," said Dilbagh Singh, DGP JK Police. The security forces have intensified operations across the valley after a spate of attacks took place in South Kashmir.

India: Two terrorists killed in Tral encounter in Kashmir

Three terrorists were killed and one was persuaded to surrender in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-shopian-encounter-enters-the-third-day-as-fresh-firing-breaks-out-370690">Shopian </a>&nbsp;in south Kashmir.

The terrorists belonged to the Al Badr outfit. They have been identified as Danish Mir, Mohd Umer Bhat, both residents of Khajapora&nbsp;and Zaid Bashir Reshi, resident of Raben in south Kashmir.&nbsp;

Security forces had got specific input about the presence of terrorists in the area, after which a joint search operation was launched by police, 44RR and 178bn of CRPF. All four terrorists were given an option to surrender.&nbsp;

“During the search operation as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender. Family members of the trapped terrorists were also called to the encounter site to motivate and persuade them to surrender.&nbsp;

"One of the trapped terrorist Tausif Ahmad ultimately surrendered and laid down his arms before the joint security forces.” said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

The surrendered terrorist was asked to make an appeal to the other three holed up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-terrorists-killed-by-security-forces-aguh-terror-outfit-wiped-out-in-jk-376274">terrorists</a> to lay down their arms and surrender, but they refused. A video of the appeal was released by security forces later.&nbsp;

“The surrendered terrorist later also appealed to his trapped companions to surrender, however, they turned down the surrender offer and fired indiscriminately on joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter. “said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

Incriminating material&nbsp;including arms and&nbsp;ammunition was recovered from the site of the encounter. The last rites of the slain terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and their nearest family members shall be allowed to participate in the last rites.

Three terrorists were killed and one was persuaded to surrender in Shopian in south Kashmir. The terrorists belonged to the Al Badr outfit. They have been identified as Danish Mir, Mohd Umer Bhat, both residents of Khajapora and Zaid Bashir Reshi, resident of Raben in south Kashmir.

Three terrorists were killed and one was persuaded to surrender in Shopian in south Kashmir. The terrorists belonged to the Al Badr outfit. They have been identified as Danish Mir, Mohd Umer Bhat, both residents of Khajapora and Zaid Bashir Reshi, resident of Raben in south Kashmir. Security forces had got specific input about the presence of terrorists in the area, after which a joint search operation was launched by police, 44RR and 178bn of CRPF. All four terrorists were given an option to surrender. “During the search operation as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender. Family members of the trapped terrorists were also called to the encounter site to motivate and persuade them to surrender. "One of the trapped terrorist Tausif Ahmad ultimately surrendered and laid down his arms before the joint security forces.” said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar. The surrendered terrorist was asked to make an appeal to the other three holed up terrorists to lay down their arms and surrender, but they refused. A video of the appeal was released by security forces later. “The surrendered terrorist later also appealed to his trapped companions to surrender, however, they turned down the surrender offer and fired indiscriminately on joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter. “said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. Incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of the encounter. The last rites of the slain terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and their nearest family members shall be allowed to participate in the last rites.

Three terrorists killed, one surrenders in south Kashmir

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir.

The runway will be strategically important for the defence forces in the valley and will help in rescue and relief operation in natural climates and other situations.

The airstrip is targeted to be completed in just 8 months with men and machinery working hard to complete the target. The construction is being done by the National Highways Authority of India through its contractors.

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“This is an emergency runway. We have 8 months to complete this project but due to lockdown and bad weather, we had to stop this work,” Parveen, a survey engineer told WION.

In 2017, the Indian Airforce cleared 12 national highways as emergency landing airstrips across India which includes Maoist-affected Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reports said.

This is the first such project in Jammu &amp; Kashmir where India and Pakistan airforces engaged in an aerial dogfight after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 which killed 40 CRPF men.

The runway can be used by the fighter jets &amp; helicopters to land and take off in emergencies.

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir.

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir. The runway will be strategically important for the defence forces in the valley and will help in rescue and relief operation in natural climates and other situations. The airstrip is targeted to be completed in just 8 months with men and machinery working hard to complete the target. The construction is being done by the National Highways Authority of India through its contractors. “This is an emergency runway. We have 8 months to complete this project but due to lockdown and bad weather, we had to stop this work,” Parveen, a survey engineer told WION. In 2017, the Indian Airforce cleared 12 national highways as emergency landing airstrips across India which includes Maoist-affected Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reports said. This is the first such project in Jammu & Kashmir where India and Pakistan airforces engaged in an aerial dogfight after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 which killed 40 CRPF men. The runway can be used by the fighter jets & helicopters to land and take off in emergencies.

Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir

In a precautionary measure, all internet services were snapped on Sunday in parts of South Kashmir area.&nbsp;The move&nbsp;comes after a shutdown was called by separatists to mark the third death anniversary of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani.

The areas where the internet has been suspended include Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts.

Burhan Wani, a resident of Tral, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Kokernag area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on 8 July, 2016.&nbsp;

His killing triggered massive protests and a prolonged period of curfews and shutdowns across the Valley.&nbsp;

As many as 85 people were killed and a thousand others were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters which continued for over four months.

On Sunday, security was also beefed up in the area by authorities. Heavy deployments of security forces have been made all along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway which passes through three south Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag and Pulwama.

In a precautionary measure, all internet services were snapped on Sunday in parts of South Kashmir area. The move comes after a shutdown was called by separatists to mark the third death anniversary of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani.

In a precautionary measure, all internet services were snapped on Sunday in parts of South Kashmir area. The move comes after a shutdown was called by separatists to mark the third death anniversary of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani. The areas where the internet has been suspended include Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts. Burhan Wani, a resident of Tral, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Kokernag area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on 8 July, 2016. His killing triggered massive protests and a prolonged period of curfews and shutdowns across the Valley. As many as 85 people were killed and a thousand others were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters which continued for over four months. On Sunday, security was also beefed up in the area by authorities. Heavy deployments of security forces have been made all along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway which passes through three south Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag and Pulwama.

Burhan Wani's death anniversary: Internet services suspended in parts of South Kashmir

Even as Wednesday’s attack in south Kashmir that took the lives of five paramilitary soldiers was claimed by the Al-Umar Mujahideen, senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Police believe the attack was carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammad.

J&K: 2 Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists Neutralised

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

The bloody gun battle left a civilian dead in the crossfire, besides injuries to Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried the operation in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from Thursday's audacious attack on CRPF personnel which left 40 jawans dead.

Jammu and Kashmir Police were on the lookout for Kamran, the so-called divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a CRPF bus last week.

The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained.

The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed.

The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered an injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said.

Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about the presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area.

Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area.

As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. Thereafter, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them — Kamran and Hilal.

As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third militant started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said.

The third militant, who is yet to be identified, continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and Brigade Commander as well as another Major.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave.

The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here.

Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by a wife.

Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by a wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son. 
Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites.

In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday. The bloody gun battle left a civilian dead in the crossfire, besides injuries to Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried the operation in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from Thursday's audacious attack on CRPF personnel which left 40 jawans dead. Jammu and Kashmir Police were on the lookout for Kamran, the so-called divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a CRPF bus last week. The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said. Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained. The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed. The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered an injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said. Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about the presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area. Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area. As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. Thereafter, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them — Kamran and Hilal. As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third militant started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said. The third militant, who is yet to be identified, continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and Brigade Commander as well as another Major. The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave. The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here. Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said. Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers. An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by a wife. Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by a wife and a son. Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son. Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son. Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.

Three terrorists killed in an encounter in south Kashmir; Army major, 4 soldiers killed

Six terrorists killed, including a close associate of Zakir Musa, in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Following information about the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-two-army-officers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-kupwara-185745"> terrorists' presence</a>, the security forces surrounded the village in South Kashmir's Tral area.&nbsp;

"As the cordon was tightened, the militants fired triggering the encounter," a police officer said.

"It was a smooth operation and all the six terrorists have been neutralised," said Swayam Prakash Pani, the Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range).

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SP Pani, IG Kashmir on Pulwama encounter: 6 terrorists were killed in the operation, there was no collateral damage. Identities and affiliation of terrorists being ascertained. We thank civilians for cooperating with us, it was a clean operation. <a href="https://t.co/luSSREueEr">pic.twitter.com/luSSREueEr</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Awantipora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Awantipora</a> encounter update: 06 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorists</a> killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arms?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Arms</a> &amp; Ammunition recovered. No <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/collateraldamage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#collateraldamage</a> took place. Identities &amp; affiliations being ascertained. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AwantipoPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AwantipoPolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a> <a href="https://t.co/FoeVN4AwPJ">pic.twitter.com/FoeVN4AwPJ</a>
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A police official said arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site, adding the identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained.

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

The police advised citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone as the area could be dangerous due to stray explosive materials.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
They requested the people to cooperate with the police till the area was completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six terrorists killed, including a close associate of Zakir Musa, in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Six terrorists killed, including a close associate of Zakir Musa, in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Following information about the terrorists' presence, the security forces surrounded the village in South Kashmir's Tral area. "As the cordon was tightened, the militants fired triggering the encounter," a police officer said. "It was a smooth operation and all the six terrorists have been neutralised," said Swayam Prakash Pani, the Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range). SP Pani, IG Kashmir on Pulwama encounter: 6 terrorists were killed in the operation, there was no collateral damage. Identities and affiliation of terrorists being ascertained. We thank civilians for cooperating with us, it was a clean operation. pic.twitter.com/luSSREueEr — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × #Awantipora encounter update: 06 #terrorists killed. #Arms & Ammunition recovered. No #collateraldamage took place. Identities & affiliations being ascertained. @JmuKmrPolice @AwantipoPolice @PIBHomeAffairs pic.twitter.com/FoeVN4AwPJ — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 22, 2018 × A police official said arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site, adding the identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said. The police advised citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone as the area could be dangerous due to stray explosive materials. They requested the people to cooperate with the police till the area was completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any. (With inputs from agencies)

Six terrorists killed in encounter in South Kashmir's Tral: IGP Swayam Prakash Pani

Terrorists kill 3 J&K policemen; bodies found in orchards 

As India and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-have-least-faith-in-ramzan--holy-quran-jitendra-singh-on-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-138612">Pakistan engage in firing across the border, </a>security forces are following a new strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to senior officials interviewed by newswire PTI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-jammu-and-kashmir-138496">Indian police and security agencies are following</a> the "catch them alive"&nbsp; and "cut the umbilical cord" strategy against terror networks in ground operations.

"Our effort is to catch them alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16-year-old boy can't be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight. There has to be a counter-narrative," a senior official told PTI involved in counter-insurgency operations.

The Centre had recently declared that Indian forces in J&K will not launch operations during Ramzan even as terror networks LeT, Lashkar continue to engage Indian security forces. India's security officials have decided to catch the new recruits alive in order to flesh out information and work their way on the ground.

"We have got an indication from our field intelligence that many desire to return. Some parents have also approached us and we have no hesitation in helping them resume their normal life and education at the earliest," a senior police official told PTI.

In this, the security agencies are undertaking a multi-pronged strategy to carry out encounters, work with locals to get intelligence inputs, smash the terror network and take terrorists alive in order to find out the next possible encounter area and the intent of terrorists in sensitive areas.

"In the last seven months, four new recruits have been arrested while one returned," said Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani.

Indian security officials are also trying to get the youths who have recently joined the terror organizations to return home, contacting their parents to get them back to textbooks.

"My director general of police (S P Vaid) has also appealed to misguided youths and so I am asking them to return to their families," Pani added.

Amid the stone-pelting, Indian security forces are determined to play multiple roles even as records show violence has escalated in the Valley. In this, they are also keeping a close eye on the social media activities in J&K ensuring the videos & messages are not circulated among the populace.&nbsp;

Indian officials report the social media activity of terrorists has also gone down after videos showed terrorists roaming freely in the orchards and forests of Tral, Shopian and Kulgam in south Kashmir.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TR2tii6GZaY" width="560"></iframe>

In this, the security agencies are undertaking a multi-pronged strategy to carry out encounters

As India and Pakistan engage in firing across the border, security forces are following a new strategy in Jammu and Kashmir. According to senior officials interviewed by newswire PTI, Indian police and security agencies are following the "catch them alive" and "cut the umbilical cord" strategy against terror networks in ground operations. "Our effort is to catch them alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16-year-old boy can't be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight. There has to be a counter-narrative," a senior official told PTI involved in counter-insurgency operations. The Centre had recently declared that Indian forces in J&K will not launch operations during Ramzan even as terror networks LeT, Lashkar continue to engage Indian security forces. India's security officials have decided to catch the new recruits alive in order to flesh out information and work their way on the ground. "We have got an indication from our field intelligence that many desire to return. Some parents have also approached us and we have no hesitation in helping them resume their normal life and education at the earliest," a senior police official told PTI. In this, the security agencies are undertaking a multi-pronged strategy to carry out encounters, work with locals to get intelligence inputs, smash the terror network and take terrorists alive in order to find out the next possible encounter area and the intent of terrorists in sensitive areas. "In the last seven months, four new recruits have been arrested while one returned," said Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani. Indian security officials are also trying to get the youths who have recently joined the terror organizations to return home, contacting their parents to get them back to textbooks. "My director general of police (S P Vaid) has also appealed to misguided youths and so I am asking them to return to their families," Pani added. Amid the stone-pelting, Indian security forces are determined to play multiple roles even as records show violence has escalated in the Valley. In this, they are also keeping a close eye on the social media activities in J&K ensuring the videos & messages are not circulated among the populace. Indian officials report the social media activity of terrorists has also gone down after videos showed terrorists roaming freely in the orchards and forests of Tral, Shopian and Kulgam in south Kashmir.

'Catch them alive & cut their umbilical cord': India's new strategy to tackle youth violence in J&K

I saw a strange picture the other day.&nbsp;

The picture (above) was I thought at first of a man on his knees. In his hands, pointed upwards, he held a catapult.&nbsp;

The "weapon" was pulled back, ready to launch a projectile at someone or something.&nbsp;

Then, when I looked more closely, I saw crutches in the background.&nbsp;

I imagine then that the man was without a leg, or legs. The caption that went with the picture was frustratingly "incomplete" — it said something like "Palestinians clash with Israeli defence forces on the Gaza border" there was nothing about the man himself, or why there might have been crutches lying behind him.&nbsp;

Some 16 Palestinians were killed in the clashes.&nbsp;

I do not know what happened to the man in the picture.&nbsp;

But I think I know why he might have been launching stones at soldiers who have colonised his land. And I thought back then to another picture that we often use here at wionews.com to try and explain the situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Here it is:&nbsp;

<img alt="kashmir stone pelters-reuters_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kashmir%20stone%20pelters-reuters_0.jpg" width="770" />

(Kashmiri schoolboys pelt stones at Indian security forces.)

&nbsp;

Here's another:&nbsp;

<img alt="kashmir stone pelters2-znn.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="400" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kashmir%20stone%20pelters2-znn.jpg" width="700" />

(Kashmiri schoolgirls do the same.)

&nbsp;

I was in Kashmir after the killing of the young Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.&nbsp;

The valley had erupted in fury and as the Indian security forces clamped down on the protests that ensued, the bodies began to pile up. By the time that summer of gore ended, the death toll had touched a 100.&nbsp;

Early one morning we left for south Kashmir, the hotbed of the protests.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

We were in time directed to the village of Hillerbhai Kokernag in Anantnag where, we were told, a man had been shot dead by the CRPF the previous day.&nbsp;

When we got there, an announcement was made over the loudspeaker atop the village mosque. It said the media were here and that the villagers should come out and speak to us.&nbsp;

The gathering suddenly morphed into a protest.&nbsp;

A young boy was lifted onto the crowd’s shoulders. He would chant a line ("India, India") and the crowd would shout another back in unison ("Go back, go back").&nbsp;

The chanting went on for a long time.&nbsp;

When it finally began to lull, the women joined in, and it picked up again.&nbsp;

"How does a crowd chant for so long? What keeps it going?" I had written then.&nbsp;

The answer is simple.&nbsp;

Like the Palestinian man with the crutches, or the Kashmiri schoolchildren in the other pictures, the villagers of Hillerbhai Kokernag believe soldiers have colonised their land. And from what I saw, I imagine they will stop at nothing to throw them out.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/story-most-kashmiri-men-tell-i-was-beaten-by-security-forces-3124">Story most Kashmiri men tell: 'I was beaten by security forces'</a>

We have already been warned of that.&nbsp;

India's security forces recently killed 13 Kashmiri militants in one day. The killings were dubbed the Indian Army's "greatest success" in over a decade.&nbsp;

But a day or two later, a commentator gently reminded us that we might be barking up the wrong tree. And that what we are forgetting is that along with the 13 militants, three civilians were also killed, and that another was reportedly used as a human shield by the security forces.&nbsp;

And, that 50 civilians were injured in clashes that broke out between the security forces and locals after the encounters. The civilians, the commentator said, were showing "solidarity" with the militants.&nbsp;

That he said was the bigger battle. The one against the "people". That everyone in Kashmir knows the militants are no match for the Indian military.&nbsp;

But how do you beat a boy or a crippled man with a stone, even if you're armed with a gun?&nbsp;

And when an entire people pick up stones against you, that battle is unwinnable.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author&nbsp;and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How do you beat a boy or a crippled man with a stone, even if you're armed with a gun?

I saw a strange picture the other day. The picture (above) was I thought at first of a man on his knees. In his hands, pointed upwards, he held a catapult. The "weapon" was pulled back, ready to launch a projectile at someone or something. Then, when I looked more closely, I saw crutches in the background. I imagine then that the man was without a leg, or legs. The caption that went with the picture was frustratingly "incomplete" — it said something like "Palestinians clash with Israeli defence forces on the Gaza border" there was nothing about the man himself, or why there might have been crutches lying behind him. Some 16 Palestinians were killed in the clashes. I do not know what happened to the man in the picture. But I think I know why he might have been launching stones at soldiers who have colonised his land. And I thought back then to another picture that we often use here at wionews.com to try and explain the situation in Kashmir. Here it is: (Kashmiri schoolboys pelt stones at Indian security forces.) Here's another: (Kashmiri schoolgirls do the same.) I was in Kashmir after the killing of the young Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The valley had erupted in fury and as the Indian security forces clamped down on the protests that ensued, the bodies began to pile up. By the time that summer of gore ended, the death toll had touched a 100. Early one morning we left for south Kashmir, the hotbed of the protests. Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir We were in time directed to the village of Hillerbhai Kokernag in Anantnag where, we were told, a man had been shot dead by the CRPF the previous day. When we got there, an announcement was made over the loudspeaker atop the village mosque. It said the media were here and that the villagers should come out and speak to us. The gathering suddenly morphed into a protest. A young boy was lifted onto the crowd’s shoulders. He would chant a line ("India, India") and the crowd would shout another back in unison ("Go back, go back"). The chanting went on for a long time. When it finally began to lull, the women joined in, and it picked up again. "How does a crowd chant for so long? What keeps it going?" I had written then. The answer is simple. Like the Palestinian man with the crutches, or the Kashmiri schoolchildren in the other pictures, the villagers of Hillerbhai Kokernag believe soldiers have colonised their land. And from what I saw, I imagine they will stop at nothing to throw them out. Story most Kashmiri men tell: 'I was beaten by security forces' We have already been warned of that. India's security forces recently killed 13 Kashmiri militants in one day. The killings were dubbed the Indian Army's "greatest success" in over a decade. But a day or two later, a commentator gently reminded us that we might be barking up the wrong tree. And that what we are forgetting is that along with the 13 militants, three civilians were also killed, and that another was reportedly used as a human shield by the security forces. And, that 50 civilians were injured in clashes that broke out between the security forces and locals after the encounters. The civilians, the commentator said, were showing "solidarity" with the militants. That he said was the bigger battle. The one against the "people". That everyone in Kashmir knows the militants are no match for the Indian military. But how do you beat a boy or a crippled man with a stone, even if you're armed with a gun? And when an entire people pick up stones against you, that battle is unwinnable. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: In Kashmir and Palestine, the stone is mightier than the gun

A special police officer (SPO) was killed after he was fired upon by a group of suspected militants near Muran Chowk area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. This is the second such incident of the day where militants targeted policemen in south Kashmir.

"Slain SPO identified as Mohammad Ashraf was posted in Srinagar resident of Mouchpona village. He had gone to Pulwama for a funeral when Militants fired upon him from close range. He died at the hospital," said SSP Pulwama.

Sources said that Ashraf, a former militant was an SPO in Cargo, Srinagar and at present was residing at Chanapora in Srinagar.

Earlier in the morning, a police officer who was on traffic duty in Khanbal Chowk of Anantnag district south Kashmir was attacked by suspected militants. He was critically injured and underwent treatment at the district hospital.&nbsp;

The day before yesterday militants attacked three places in south Kashmir, killing one and injuring two those attacks.

"Slain SPO identified as Mohammad Ashraf was posted in Srinagar resident of Mouchpona village. He had gone to Pulwama for a funeral when Militants fired upon him from close range. He died at the hospital," said SSP Pulwama. Sources

A special police officer (SPO) was killed after he was fired upon by a group of suspected militants near Muran Chowk area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. This is the second such incident of the day where militants targeted policemen in south Kashmir. "Slain SPO identified as Mohammad Ashraf was posted in Srinagar resident of Mouchpona village. He had gone to Pulwama for a funeral when Militants fired upon him from close range. He died at the hospital," said SSP Pulwama. Sources said that Ashraf, a former militant was an SPO in Cargo, Srinagar and at present was residing at Chanapora in Srinagar. Earlier in the morning, a police officer who was on traffic duty in Khanbal Chowk of Anantnag district south Kashmir was attacked by suspected militants. He was critically injured and underwent treatment at the district hospital. The day before yesterday militants attacked three places in south Kashmir, killing one and injuring two those attacks.

Militants kill police officer in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district

An army convoy came under a stone pelting attack during an ongoing protest&nbsp;in Ganowpora village, South Kashmir.

Army personnel opened fire in&nbsp;&quot;self-defence&quot; killing two civilians and wounding nine.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have registered a case against the army unit while the divisional administration has ordered a&nbsp;magisterial probe into the incident.

According to the health officials at Pulwama hospital, the injured were brought to the hospital for treatment out of which a young man, with a critical head injury, succumbed to death.

The second man was taken to the Rajpura Health Center for treatment and was declared dead on arrival.

The District Chief Medical Officer confirmed both the deaths.

Out of other injured, four have been moved to the Srinagar state hospital for advanced treatment, one of them is in a critical state.

Rest injured were admitted to Pulwama and Shopian hospitals for treatment.

&quot;The matter is being investigated and the case has been registered against the Army unit,&quot; said DIG, South Kashmir.

According to an army spokesman,&nbsp;&quot;an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles. A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation, the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence. In the process, two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries.&quot;

Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir noted that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. He said that &quot;the Deputy Commissioner of Shopian has been appointed as the inquiry officer to ascertain the facts about the deaths and will furnish a report ‪in 20 days‬&quot;.

Meanwhile, joint separatist groups have called for a shutdown in Kashmir tomorrow against the killings.

According to the&nbsp;official statement issued by a joint separatist organization, &quot;Tomorrow, all people should register their protests by invoking the Kashmir shutdown against the Shopian murder&quot;.

(With inputs from Syed Khalid Hussain)

'The matter is being investigated and the case has been registered against the Army unit,' DIG South Kashmir

An army convoy came under a stone pelting attack during an ongoing protest in Ganowpora village, South Kashmir. Army personnel opened fire in "self-defence" killing two civilians and wounding nine. The Jammu and Kashmir police have registered a case against the army unit while the divisional administration has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. According to the health officials at Pulwama hospital, the injured were brought to the hospital for treatment out of which a young man, with a critical head injury, succumbed to death. The second man was taken to the Rajpura Health Center for treatment and was declared dead on arrival. The District Chief Medical Officer confirmed both the deaths. Out of other injured, four have been moved to the Srinagar state hospital for advanced treatment, one of them is in a critical state. Rest injured were admitted to Pulwama and Shopian hospitals for treatment. "The matter is being investigated and the case has been registered against the Army unit," said DIG, South Kashmir. According to an army spokesman, "an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles. A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation, the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence. In the process, two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries." Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir noted that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. He said that "the Deputy Commissioner of Shopian has been appointed as the inquiry officer to ascertain the facts about the deaths and will furnish a report ‪in 20 days‬". Meanwhile, joint separatist groups have called for a shutdown in Kashmir tomorrow against the killings. According to the official statement issued by a joint separatist organization, "Tomorrow, all people should register their protests by invoking the Kashmir shutdown against the Shopian murder". (With inputs from Syed Khalid Hussain)

Kashmir: 2 killed, 9 injured in army firing in Shopian

Terrorists on Monday evening<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-army-jawans-martyred-in-pakistani-shelling-in-jks-rajouri-31767" target="_blank"> attacked an Indian Army camp</a> in South Kashmir&rsquo;s Kakapora area.

The police and Army sources here said that a rifle grenade was fired towards the company headquarters of the Army&rsquo;s 50 Rashtriya Rifles at Kakapora in Pulwama.&nbsp;

No loss of life or injuries have been reported so far.

After the attack, the area has been cordoned by the Army and Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of police and CRPF.&nbsp;

The soldiers present inside the camp promptly fired their rifles towards the direction of the attack.&nbsp;

The attack on the Indian Army camps comes a day after cross-border firing and shelling by Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control in Rajouri district. Four soldiers including a captain were killed in the shelling.

Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, JeM spokesman Hassan Shah claimed that the outfit carried out the attack on the RR camp at Kakapora in Pulwama in south Kashmir by firing rockets, causing heavy damage to the Army.

Sources said the terrorists attacked the Rashtriya Rifles camp in Kakpora with a grenade around 8.30pm

Terrorists on Monday evening attacked an Indian Army camp in South Kashmir’s Kakapora area. The police and Army sources here said that a rifle grenade was fired towards the company headquarters of the Army’s 50 Rashtriya Rifles at Kakapora in Pulwama. No loss of life or injuries have been reported so far. After the attack, the area has been cordoned by the Army and Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of police and CRPF. The soldiers present inside the camp promptly fired their rifles towards the direction of the attack. The attack on the Indian Army camps comes a day after cross-border firing and shelling by Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control in Rajouri district. Four soldiers including a captain were killed in the shelling. Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, JeM spokesman Hassan Shah claimed that the outfit carried out the attack on the RR camp at Kakapora in Pulwama in south Kashmir by firing rockets, causing heavy damage to the Army.

Terrorists attack Rashtriya Rifles camp in J&K Kakapora area

Heavily armed terrorists on Sunday launched a pre-dawn attack on a CRPF camp in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, killing five personnel of the force and injuring three others, a security forces spokesperson said.

CRPF spokesperson Rajesh Yadav said the bodies of two terrorists have also been recovered while one more is believed to have been killed.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Wreath laying ceremony of four CRPF jawans in Budgam. They lost their lives in action in the ongoing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> attack. <a href="https://t.co/RE55SPAMoD">pic.twitter.com/RE55SPAMoD</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947409496283914240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The CRPF said&nbsp;intermittent firing is still going on and one terrorist is believed to be holed up in the building block.

A CRPF officials said the &quot;heavily armed militants stormed the camp at about 2 am. They were armed with under- barrel grenade launchers and automatic weapons. They were challenged by camp sentries.&quot;

Yadav told PTI the terrorists fired indiscriminately injuring three CRPF personnel.

One of the injured personnel was identified as Saifuddin, a resident of Nowgam here, officials said.

Director General of Police S P Vaid said security forces had inputs about an impending militant strike in the Kashmir Valley for the past three days.

Terming the attack as &quot;unfortunate&quot;, Vaid said as long as Pakistan keeps sending militants, security forces and people of Kashmir will continue to go through this.

&quot;There was an input from the last two-three days.They (militants) were trying. They probably could not get a place and time earlier. So, they struck last night,&quot; Vaid told reporters here.

The CRPF camp also serves as the training centre for troops inducted for counter-militancy operations in Kashmir Valley.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police team is also co-located with CRPF in this camp.&nbsp;

CRPF spokesperson Rajesh Yadav said the bodies of two terrorists have also been recovered while one more is believed to have been killed.

Heavily armed terrorists on Sunday launched a pre-dawn attack on a CRPF camp in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, killing five personnel of the force and injuring three others, a security forces spokesperson said. CRPF spokesperson Rajesh Yadav said the bodies of two terrorists have also been recovered while one more is believed to have been killed. Jammu & Kashmir: Wreath laying ceremony of four CRPF jawans in Budgam. They lost their lives in action in the ongoing #Pulwama attack. pic.twitter.com/RE55SPAMoD — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × The CRPF said intermittent firing is still going on and one terrorist is believed to be holed up in the building block. A CRPF officials said the "heavily armed militants stormed the camp at about 2 am. They were armed with under- barrel grenade launchers and automatic weapons. They were challenged by camp sentries." Yadav told PTI the terrorists fired indiscriminately injuring three CRPF personnel. One of the injured personnel was identified as Saifuddin, a resident of Nowgam here, officials said. Director General of Police S P Vaid said security forces had inputs about an impending militant strike in the Kashmir Valley for the past three days. Terming the attack as "unfortunate", Vaid said as long as Pakistan keeps sending militants, security forces and people of Kashmir will continue to go through this. "There was an input from the last two-three days.They (militants) were trying. They probably could not get a place and time earlier. So, they struck last night," Vaid told reporters here. The CRPF camp also serves as the training centre for troops inducted for counter-militancy operations in Kashmir Valley. A Jammu and Kashmir Police team is also co-located with CRPF in this camp.

5 jawans, 3 terrorists killed in pre-dawn attack in Pulwama: CRPF

Suspected militants shot a civilian Saturday night in the Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said.

PTI reported police as saying Aijaz Ahmad Malik (27) was shot at and critically injured by militants outside his home in Arrubugh around 10.30 pm.

Malik was rushed to hospital&nbsp;but died from his injuries, police added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash">#UPDATE</a> Ajaz Ahmed Malik, the civilian who was injured in firing by terrorists in Pulwama has succumbed to his injuries
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876253607170981888">June 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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It is not known why the suspected militants attacked Malik, but the killing is again indicative of the worsening situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Militants in Kashmir have of late taken to targeting local army and police personnel.&nbsp;

In May this year, militants kidnapped and killed Lt Ummer Fayaz who was home on leave from the army.

Fayaz was Kashmiri.&nbsp;

He was abducted from a cousin&#39;s wedding which he was attending at the time.&nbsp;

27-year-old Aijaz Ahmad Malik was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries

Suspected militants shot a civilian Saturday night in the Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said. PTI reported police as saying Aijaz Ahmad Malik (27) was shot at and critically injured by militants outside his home in Arrubugh around 10.30 pm. Malik was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries, police added. #UPDATE Ajaz Ahmed Malik, the civilian who was injured in firing by terrorists in Pulwama has succumbed to his injuries — ANI (@ANI_news) June 18, 2017 × It is not known why the suspected militants attacked Malik, but the killing is again indicative of the worsening situation in Kashmir. Militants in Kashmir have of late taken to targeting local army and police personnel. In May this year, militants kidnapped and killed Lt Ummer Fayaz who was home on leave from the army. Fayaz was Kashmiri. He was abducted from a cousin's wedding which he was attending at the time.

Kashmir: Suspected militants shoot dead civilian in Pulwama

An Army lieutenant was abducted in Kashmir Tuesday night by militants, the Army said, shot and killed, and his body disposed of.&nbsp;

The officer&#39;s bullet-riddled body was found this morning in the Shopian district of South Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Army identified the officer as Lt. Ummer Fayaz.&nbsp;

Fayaz was Kashmiri. His home was in Kulgam district.&nbsp;

The Army said he was a keen sportsman, good at hockey and basketball.&nbsp;

They added that he had joined the Army last December, and that he was with the 2 Rajput Rifles. &nbsp;

&quot;The Army commits to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice,&quot; news reports quoted an Army spokesman as saying.&nbsp;

The new reports added that Ummer&#39;s father was an orchard owner.

Ummer was home on leave, attending a wedding in the family, when he was abducted.

News reports said his family had been too scared to report the matter.

They had hoped that he would be returned alive.

Sadly, that was not to be.

Meanwhile, defence minister Arun Jaitley called Ummer&#39;s killing a &quot;dastardly act of cowardice&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Abduction &amp; murder of Lt. Ummer Fayaz by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from J&amp;K was a role model,&quot; he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Abduction &amp; murder of Lt. Ummer Fayaz by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from J&amp;K was a role model
&mdash; Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/862189658955841536">May 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Lt. Ummer Fayaz of 2RAJRIF was an exceptional sportsman, his sacrifice reiterates nation&#39;s commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley
&mdash; Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/862191824655400960">May 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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We share the grief of family of Lt. Ummer Fayaz &amp; stand in solidarity. Lt. Ummer Fayaz will continue to inspire youth from the Valley.
&mdash; Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/862192013285793792">May 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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(WION)

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The Army identified the officer as Lt Ummer Fayaz of 2 Rajput Rifles

An Army lieutenant was abducted in Kashmir Tuesday night by militants, the Army said, shot and killed, and his body disposed of. The officer's bullet-riddled body was found this morning in the Shopian district of South Kashmir. The Army identified the officer as Lt. Ummer Fayaz. Fayaz was Kashmiri. His home was in Kulgam district. The Army said he was a keen sportsman, good at hockey and basketball. They added that he had joined the Army last December, and that he was with the 2 Rajput Rifles. "The Army commits to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice," news reports quoted an Army spokesman as saying. The new reports added that Ummer's father was an orchard owner. Ummer was home on leave, attending a wedding in the family, when he was abducted. News reports said his family had been too scared to report the matter. They had hoped that he would be returned alive. Sadly, that was not to be. Meanwhile, defence minister Arun Jaitley called Ummer's killing a "dastardly act of cowardice". "Abduction & murder of Lt. Ummer Fayaz by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from J&K was a role model," he wrote on Twitter. Abduction & murder of Lt. Ummer Fayaz by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from J&K was a role model — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 10, 2017 × Lt. Ummer Fayaz of 2RAJRIF was an exceptional sportsman, his sacrifice reiterates nation's commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 10, 2017 × We share the grief of family of Lt. Ummer Fayaz & stand in solidarity. Lt. Ummer Fayaz will continue to inspire youth from the Valley. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 10, 2017 × (WION)

Army lieutenant abducted, killed by militants in Kashmir

About six to eight militants on Sunday attacked the guard post at the residence of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s ruling People&#39;s Democratic Party&#39;s (PDP) district president and snatched weapons of police personnel, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp; 
 
Unidentified militants perpetrated the attack in the northern state at the residence of advocate Jawed Ahmed Sheikh, district president of PDP at Dayalgam in Anantnag at around 9.30 PM and snatched four AK rifles (also known as the Kalashnikov) from the security personnel, a police official was quoted as saying.&nbsp; 
 
It&#39;s pertinent to mention that PDP is ruling the northernmost state in coalition with India&#39;s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp; 
 
Following the attack, an alert was reported sounded in south Kashmir area to trace the militants, he said. 
 
The police official also confirmed to the news agency that this is the fifth such incident of weapon snatching in the Valley after Kashmir Valley was gripped with unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp; 
 
The attack was reported on the same day when an Indian Army base was attacked in the Uri area &nbsp;of Kashmir leaving at least 17 soldiers dead.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Unidentified militants perpetrated the attack at the residence of advocate Jawed Ahmed Sheikh, district president of PDP at Dayalgam

About six to eight militants on Sunday attacked the guard post at the residence of Jammu and Kashmir's ruling People's Democratic Party's (PDP) district president and snatched weapons of police personnel, Indian news agency PTI reported. Unidentified militants perpetrated the attack in the northern state at the residence of advocate Jawed Ahmed Sheikh, district president of PDP at Dayalgam in Anantnag at around 9.30 PM and snatched four AK rifles (also known as the Kalashnikov) from the security personnel, a police official was quoted as saying. It's pertinent to mention that PDP is ruling the northernmost state in coalition with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following the attack, an alert was reported sounded in south Kashmir area to trace the militants, he said. The police official also confirmed to the news agency that this is the fifth such incident of weapon snatching in the Valley after Kashmir Valley was gripped with unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. The attack was reported on the same day when an Indian Army base was attacked in the Uri area of Kashmir leaving at least 17 soldiers dead. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: Militants attack residence of ruling party's leader in Kashmir, flee with four rifles

In the midst of massive outburst, men and women, young and old, are out on roads. Slogans from the loudspeaker of nearby mosques fill the air.&nbsp;Young boys man the highway enforcing a strike called by &#39;pro-freedom&#39; camps.&nbsp; 
 
Gripped with unrest for more than two weeks, South Kashmir in India&#39;s northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir, is angry and mourning.&nbsp; 
 
Amid this anger, a small hamlet in Kokernag area, between a dense cover of poplar and willow trees, is as silent as a grave. This &#39;unnerving&#39; silence in Bemdoora village is not usual for the inhabitants, they say.&nbsp; 
 
Dozen homes burnt down in frenzy&nbsp; 
 
Two weeks after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed here with two other rebels,&nbsp;the residents of this rural neighbourhood,&nbsp;nearly 80 km from state&#39;s summer capital Srinagar, are living in constant fear.&nbsp; 
 
Close to a dozen homes have already been burnt down in a frenzy that erupted against some locals of Bemdoora for allegedly informing the police about the whereabouts of the three armed militants in the area. 
 
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One of the homes in the hamlet that bore the wrath of protesters.
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Following the gunfight on July 8 where Wani was killed, hundreds have come to the the hamlet to show contempt against the locals rather than empathy, holding them &quot;responsible&quot; for the encounter.&nbsp; 
 
Farooq Ahmad&#39;s home, where Wani and two others were shot down by security forces, was the first to be burned down by hundreds of angry protesters, who alleged that Farooq tipped off the police about them hiding in the area.&nbsp; 
 
Farooq, the maternal uncle of one of Wani&#39;s associates, Sartaj Ahmad, has left the village along with his family. 
 
The smoke still emanates from a spilled rice mound set on fire here, while the walls of granaries have already crumbled. People have vented out their anger by damaging these homes. &nbsp; 
 
&#39;Encounter did not last long&#39;&nbsp; 
 
According to a local, the gunfight between the militants and security forces did not last too long after the area was cordoned off on July 8. 
 
&ldquo;We heard a few gun shots, and within 10 minutes, the three were killed,&rdquo; he said, asking not to be named. Fearing a further backlash, the villagers are living in dread. Others hope to reason with the protesters to not damage properties further.&nbsp; 
 
Ghulam Qadir, along with many other locals, however, confesses no one in the locality had any idea about the presence of the armed militants in the area and said that people should wait until the facts are laid bare.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;We request people and Hurriyat leaders to tell others, especially people living in areas near this village, to be calm and patient,&rdquo; Qadir appeals.&nbsp; 
 
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Kashmir valley has been gripped with tension following Wani&#39;s death.
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As many as 6,000 apple trees have been destroyed inside an orchard, spread over nearly 10-acre, close to where Burhan was killed.&nbsp; 
 
Fayaz Ahmad, an employee at the orchard, says they were beaten up by an angry mob that believed the property belonged to state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;We pleaded before them that it is not owned by any minister, but they did not listen and destroyed everything, even setting our living quarters on fire,&rdquo; Fayaz says.&nbsp; 
 
Outside the village, a few young boys say they firmly believe that Farooq&#39;s family was involved in the encounter. &ldquo;Otherwise, there is no reason why it couldn&rsquo;t have lasted longer,&rdquo; they say.&nbsp; 
 
After Wani&#39;s killing, more than 50 have been killed and about 4,000 have been left injured in the widespread chaos that enveloped Kashmir valley over the past 15 days.&nbsp; 
 
Close to a hundred have been blinded in pellet firing. The separatist camp, fighting for Kashmir&#39;s independence, have issued a protest and strike calendar for people to follow till July 29.&nbsp; 
 
(WION)

Mobs from neighbouring areas attacked the Kokernag village after rumours that they had tipped-off police about Wani's hideout

In the midst of massive outburst, men and women, young and old, are out on roads. Slogans from the loudspeaker of nearby mosques fill the air. Young boys man the highway enforcing a strike called by 'pro-freedom' camps. Gripped with unrest for more than two weeks, South Kashmir in India's northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir, is angry and mourning. Amid this anger, a small hamlet in Kokernag area, between a dense cover of poplar and willow trees, is as silent as a grave. This 'unnerving' silence in Bemdoora village is not usual for the inhabitants, they say. Dozen homes burnt down in frenzy Two weeks after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed here with two other rebels, the residents of this rural neighbourhood, nearly 80 km from state's summer capital Srinagar, are living in constant fear. Close to a dozen homes have already been burnt down in a frenzy that erupted against some locals of Bemdoora for allegedly informing the police about the whereabouts of the three armed militants in the area. One of the homes in the hamlet that bore the wrath of protesters. Following the gunfight on July 8 where Wani was killed, hundreds have come to the the hamlet to show contempt against the locals rather than empathy, holding them "responsible" for the encounter. Farooq Ahmad's home, where Wani and two others were shot down by security forces, was the first to be burned down by hundreds of angry protesters, who alleged that Farooq tipped off the police about them hiding in the area. Farooq, the maternal uncle of one of Wani's associates, Sartaj Ahmad, has left the village along with his family. The smoke still emanates from a spilled rice mound set on fire here, while the walls of granaries have already crumbled. People have vented out their anger by damaging these homes. 'Encounter did not last long' According to a local, the gunfight between the militants and security forces did not last too long after the area was cordoned off on July 8. “We heard a few gun shots, and within 10 minutes, the three were killed,” he said, asking not to be named. Fearing a further backlash, the villagers are living in dread. Others hope to reason with the protesters to not damage properties further. Ghulam Qadir, along with many other locals, however, confesses no one in the locality had any idea about the presence of the armed militants in the area and said that people should wait until the facts are laid bare. “We request people and Hurriyat leaders to tell others, especially people living in areas near this village, to be calm and patient,” Qadir appeals. Kashmir valley has been gripped with tension following Wani's death. As many as 6,000 apple trees have been destroyed inside an orchard, spread over nearly 10-acre, close to where Burhan was killed. Fayaz Ahmad, an employee at the orchard, says they were beaten up by an angry mob that believed the property belonged to state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. “We pleaded before them that it is not owned by any minister, but they did not listen and destroyed everything, even setting our living quarters on fire,” Fayaz says. Outside the village, a few young boys say they firmly believe that Farooq's family was involved in the encounter. “Otherwise, there is no reason why it couldn’t have lasted longer,” they say. After Wani's killing, more than 50 have been killed and about 4,000 have been left injured in the widespread chaos that enveloped Kashmir valley over the past 15 days. Close to a hundred have been blinded in pellet firing. The separatist camp, fighting for Kashmir's independence, have issued a protest and strike calendar for people to follow till July 29. (WION)

Branded 'informers', Kashmir village Burhan Wani was slain in lives in terror

A woman injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in south Kashmir died in hospital, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest to 42, even as curfew remained in force in the Kashmir Valley today. 
 
Neelofar was injured in retaliatory firing yesterday after protesters pelted stones at an Army vehicle in Qazigund. 
 
Two other persons, including a woman, were killed and seven others injured in the incident. 
 
A police spokesman, giving details of the incident, said an army patrol had come up against a road blockade at Churaht Qazigund while moving towards&nbsp;Devsar. 
 
&quot;The security force party while removing the obstructions came under heavy stone pelting by the miscreants from two sides. The Army party warned the mob to maintain distance but it did not relent. 
 
&quot;Some miscreants tried to snatch weapons from them and tried to set ablaze the vehicles. Despite repeated warnings the mob did not disperse and army fired in self-defence in an effort to move out from the spot,&quot; the spokesman said, adding six persons were injured in the incident out of which two had succumbed last night. 
 
Curfew meanwhile remained in force across the 10 districts of the Valley, with no sign of clashes between protesters and security forces coming to an end. 
 
The clashes began soon after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in a gun battle with security forces on July 8. 
 
Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley to enforce the strict implementation of prohibitory orders, the official said. 
 
He said there have been no reports of violence from anywhere in the Valley so far today. 
 
Normal life also remained paralysed for the eleventh day today due to the separatist-sponsored strike which has now been extended till July 22. 
 
In a joint statement, Kashmiri leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik yesterday said the shutdown in the Valley will continue till July 22. However, they announced a half day-relaxation from 2 pm &nbsp;onwards on July 21. 
 
Mobile phones and mobile internet services stayed down while newspapers failed to hit stands for the fourth day. 
 
(PTI) 
 
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Life remains paralysed for the eleventh day. Mobile phones stay down, newspapers fail to hit stands for a fourth day

A woman injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in south Kashmir died in hospital, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest to 42, even as curfew remained in force in the Kashmir Valley today. Neelofar was injured in retaliatory firing yesterday after protesters pelted stones at an Army vehicle in Qazigund. Two other persons, including a woman, were killed and seven others injured in the incident. A police spokesman, giving details of the incident, said an army patrol had come up against a road blockade at Churaht Qazigund while moving towards Devsar. "The security force party while removing the obstructions came under heavy stone pelting by the miscreants from two sides. The Army party warned the mob to maintain distance but it did not relent. "Some miscreants tried to snatch weapons from them and tried to set ablaze the vehicles. Despite repeated warnings the mob did not disperse and army fired in self-defence in an effort to move out from the spot," the spokesman said, adding six persons were injured in the incident out of which two had succumbed last night. Curfew meanwhile remained in force across the 10 districts of the Valley, with no sign of clashes between protesters and security forces coming to an end. The clashes began soon after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in a gun battle with security forces on July 8. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley to enforce the strict implementation of prohibitory orders, the official said. He said there have been no reports of violence from anywhere in the Valley so far today. Normal life also remained paralysed for the eleventh day today due to the separatist-sponsored strike which has now been extended till July 22. In a joint statement, Kashmiri leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik yesterday said the shutdown in the Valley will continue till July 22. However, they announced a half day-relaxation from 2 pm onwards on July 21. Mobile phones and mobile internet services stayed down while newspapers failed to hit stands for the fourth day. (PTI)

Woman injured in clashes dies in hospital, taking death toll in Kashmir to 42

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