Srinagar gunfight over; two militants, civilian, policeman killed

Two militants, a civilian and a policeman were killed and three CRPF personnel wounded in a gunfight in Fateh Kadal locality of Downtown Srinagar on Wednesday, police said.

An official said that the gunfight broke out early morning after forces cordoned off the Fateh Kadal area of the city following specific inputs about the presence of militants in a house.

He said the militants opened fire on the forces as they approached the suspected house. “The forces retaliated, triggering a gunfight,” he said, adding that a policeman, identified as Kamal from Reasi died in the initial shootout.

He said two militants and the son of the house owner were killed in the gunfight. “The exchange of fire has stopped but searches are underway,” said the official.

The identity of the slain was being ascertained, he said. However, top Lashkar commander Mehraj Bangroo is believed to be among the slain militants.

Earlier, SSP Srinagar Imtiyaz Ismail said three militants were killed in the gunfight, ANI news agency reported.

All educational institutions have been closed and Internet suspended in Srinagar district. Class work has also been suspended at Kashmir University.

Meanwhile, clashes have erupted in Fateh Kadal and Khanyar area of the city. Another slain militant is believed to Faid Mushtaq Waza from Khanyar area.