A militant was killed and two policemen and a civilian injured on Thursday as government forces and militants battled each other in three places in the Kashmir Valley, authorities said.
While the first gunfight erupted in Sopore town, two gunbattles were reported later from Bandipora and Baramulla districts.
Police said forces started a cordon and search operation inHajin area in Bandipora district following intelligence inputs about thepresence of militants there.
The militants who were in hiding opened fire at the forcesin Mir Mohalla.
“Security forces are carrying out the operation withcaution as two civilians are reportedly inside the house from where themilitants are firing,” a police officer said. A civilian was rescued fromthe house while a 12-year-old boy remained stuck inside.
Another gunfight started in Kandi area of Baramulla districtafter forces resumed on Thursday morning a search operation which was suspendeddue to darkness on Wednesday evening.
“As the search operation was resumed, militants firedat the security forces, triggering an encounter in Kandi,” the officersaid.
Two policemen – a Station House Officer (SHO) and hissecurity guard – were injured earlier on Thursday when militants hurled agrenade at security forces in Warpora area of Sopore town.
“Both the policemen have been shifted to Srinagar forspecialized treatment. The operation against the militants is going on,” apolice officer said.
A civilian sustained bullet injury in his leg during clashesin main town Sopore. He too was shifted to hospital and his condition wasstated to be stable.
The clashes broke out in Sopore following a search operationin the aftermath of a grenade attack at a CRPF camp in the town.
As a precaution, authorities suspended mobile Internetservice in Sopore town. (With inputs from IANS)