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‘Silence befalls’ Anantnag encounter site, forces blast two houses

Srinagar: There is no exchange of fire between the Indian armed forces and suspected militants at an encounter site in Anantnag district.

A local resident of Arwani told the FreePressKashmir that there is “complete silence around the encounter site”. However, he added that clashes between the civilians and armed forces continue in the area.

A youth was shot dead by forces when hundreds of people came out of their homes in the village to disrupt a cordon and search operation (CASO) to help the militants flee the encounter spot.

Many civilians were injured, mostly by lethal pellets, during protests in forces action.

The CASO was launched around 4 in the morning, however, people resisted.

“Two houses where the militants are believed to be present were blasted and flames are coming out of them,” the local resident added. One of the damaged houses belongs to Muhammad Shafi Malik.

J&K police spokesperson told the FreePressKashmir that the “encounter is going on”. He did not give any more details.

Srinagar based defence spokesperson, Colonel Rajesh Kalia, did not respond to the calls from the FreePressKashmir.

“There is no firing going on,” the Arwani resident said.

SP Kulgam had earlier said that few armed forces personnel were injured during the encounter.

The slain youth was identified as Muhammad Ashraf Khar who was in his early twenties.

Ashraf’s funeral prayers were held in Khar Pora.

Thousands of people attended the funeral of Khar.

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