Militant killed in Kashmir encounter, operation on

An unidentified militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in a village in Pulwama, about 30 km from here, on Tuesday night. The operation to flush out some more ultras, believed to be still holed up in a house, is still on, police sources said.

Simultaneously, the security forces battled violent mobs, which tried to march towards the encounter site, leaving at least eight people injured.

In late afternoon, security forces cordoned off Gadoora village in Pulwama district after getting information about the presence of some militants in a house, officials said.

The militants opened fire at the security personnel, triggering an encounter, the officials said.

One unidentified militant was killed in the gunbattle, the officials said, adding that the operation is on as some more ultras are believed to be still holed up.

Meanwhile, groups of men staged protests and tried to march towards the encounter site in Gadoora village, they said.

Their march as thwarted, leading to clashes, in which eight people were injured. While six sustained pellet injuries, two others were injured after getting hit by tear smoke shells, the officials said. The clashes were still continuing when last reports were received.

The officials said reinforcements have been rushed to maintain a tight cordon around the village to prevent the militants from fleeing the scene.