An Army soldier and two civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence across Kashmir valley on Friday, officials said adding that a cordon and search operation was launched in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district triggering clashes with local population.
Sources said that security forces launched separate counter militant operations in north Kashmir's Baramulla and Bandipora districts. During a heavy exchange of fire, one soldier was killed in the initial phase of operation in Kuchulu village of Rafiabad in Baramulla district.
A defence spokesman said that Rifleman Ram Babu Shahi sustained bullet injury during the gun battle at Kachhlu. He was provided immediate first aid and evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Shahi, 24, had joined the Army in 2013. He belonged to Village Jagatpur of Chitwan district in Nepal and is survived by his wife and a daughter. His mortal remains were flown for last rites to Varanasi, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours.
In a solemn ceremony at XV Corps headquarters, lt Gen AK Bhatt, XV Corps Commander and all ranks, paid homage to the slain soldier.
In another incident, a critically injured civilian succumbed at a local hospital after he was hit by splinters in a grenade attack near district police headquarters at Awantipora in Pulwama district. The deceased has been identified as Abdul Ahad, a resident of Jawbwhara area in Awantipora.
Earlier, suspected militants lobbed a hand grenade towards security forces party near SP Office area that missed the target in which four civilians sustained splinter injuries.
One grievously injured person had been shifted to Srinagar hospital for specialized treatment. No militant outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.
Unidentified gunmen also shot dead a woman at Drabgam village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Sources said that 32-year-old Shameema Akhtar was staying at her parent’s home when suspected militants target her.
Meanwhile, separatists have called for shutdown across Kashmir Valley on August 26 and 27 in view of hearing of hearing of a crucial petition in Supreme Court regarding Article 35 A of the Constitution that reserves special privileges to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this month an unprecedented shutdown was observed in most parts of the state to exhibit resentment against abrogation of the crucial constitutional provision.