'Kashmiri voters determined to defy diktats of terrorists'

Kashmiri voters are determined to "defy the diktats" of terrorists, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said, stressing that the terrorists tend to create volatile atmosphere ahead of polls.

South Kashmir will hold by-elections in two parliamentary constituencies - Srinagar and Anantnag - next month.

The minister's comments came as three civilians were killed in action by security forces against protesters near an encounter site in Budgam district in Kashmir.

The anti-militancy operation ended with the killing of the lone militant.

"On the eve of these by-elections, terorists and their supporters tend to create such kind of atmosphere but I am sure the common voters in Kashmir which comprise largely of the young voters are determined to defy the diktats of terrorists, the promoters of terrorism and become a part of India's mainstream healthy democracy," Singh said.

Three civilians - all young men in their twenties - were killed while 18 others were injured in security forces' action against a large number of protesters who pelted stones at the security personnel allegedly in a vain bid to help the holed up militant escape.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Durbugh area of Chadoora in the early hours today following information about the presence of militants in the area.

The search operation turned into a gun battle after the militant opened fire on security forces.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)