Srinagar, Sep 15: A civilian was killed and nearly two dozen others were injured Saturday in clashes between protestors and government forces following an encounter in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, in which five militants were killed.
Clashes broke out between groups of youths and government forces, who were engaged in the counter-militancy operation, at the Chowgam area of Qazigund in Kulgam, a police official said.
He said government forces used tear smoke shells, pellets and opened firing to quell the protests.
Around 22 persons injured in the forces’ action were brought to the District Hospital in Anantnag for treatment, hospital officials said.
He added that out of those injured, six, including four with pellet injuries in the eyes, were referred to a hospital in Srinagar.
Among them was a youth identified as Rouf Ahmad Ganaie, son of Saleem Ganaie of Al Farooq Colony Anchidora, who was critically injured after being hit by a bullet in the neck near the gunfight site. Ganaie died on the way to Srinagar.
