Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday said that a militant was killed in a gunfight with government forces in Kokernag forests in south Kashmir while a top Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander managed to escape in an injured condition.
Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid told Greater Kashmir that a militant was killed and another managed to give a slip to forces in an injured condition.
“One militant was killed and a commander Ashraf Moulvi managed to escape in an injured condition. Searches are on to nab him,” he said.
Earlier, Vaid had said that two militants were killed in the firefight that began today morning in Larnoo forests in Kokernag area.
A Srinagar-based army spokesman had also claimed that two militants were killed in the operation.
A source said that militants had escaped into forest area in Larnoo area of Kokernag after exchanging brief gunfire with the forces.
An official said that a massive search operation was launched in the area to nab the militants.
Meanwhile, mobile Internet service has been suspended in the twin districts of Anantnag and Kulgam.
The slain militant was identified as Farhan Ahmad Wani of Khudwani Kulgam. The news of his death triggered clashes in Khudwani that left a civilian dead.
Khalid Ahmad Dar (20) was hit by a bullet in his chest during clashes in Khudwani. He was shifted to District Hospital Kulgam where he succumbed.
Vaid said that army opened fire in Khudwani after they were attacked with stones by protesters.
Clashes also erupted near the site of the gunfight in Larnoo area after youth took to streets and staged protests to disrupt the anti-militant operation.