Security forces on Friday evening killed a militant in south Kashmir’s Kokernag area where Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who had become a poster boy of militancy in the Valley, was believed to be hiding. Unconfirmed reports suggest Mr. Wani was also killed in the operation.
A gunfight started when the Army’s 19 Rashtriya Rifles and the police zeroed in on Bumdoora village in Kokernag with specific information about the presence of militants late in the afternoon.
Police sources said the hiding militant opened fire at the security forces and in the exchange of fire one militant was killed. The slain militant has been identified as Sartaj Ahmad, a resident of Sheikh Takiya village.
A combing operation is on in the area, according to a police official.
Protests in Pulwara
Earlier in the day, fierce protests broke out in Pulwama’s Kareemabad when the Army removed banners erected on a graveyard, where militants were buried. This triggered clashes with youth pouring into the streets and hurling stones.
Violent clashes
Violent clashes also erupted in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district after Friday prayers. A boundary wall of a CRPF camp was also damaged by protesters. The security forces resorted to heavy tear smoke shelling to control the situation.
