Two militants, civilian killed in Kashmir

Two separatist guerrillas and a civilian were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in overnight violence that erupted again Friday, police said.

A soldier was said to be in critical condition in firing that also injured another soldier and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper.

The death of the 26-year-old civilian, identified as Tariq Ahmad Bhat who succumbed to his injuries, sparked frenzied protests Friday.

Police, soldiers and the CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Chenigam village Thursday evening after coming to know about the presence of armed militants.

The security forces were fired upon by militants, triggering a gun battle that left two rebels dead.

An unspecified quantity of arms and ammunition were seized from the site.

A senior police officer told IANS that the renewed violence Friday broke out when a section of the people tried to snatch the bodies of the militants from the security personnel.

"There was more firing this morning in which two soldires, a CRPF trooper and a civilian were injured," he said.

It wasn't clear who fired at the security personnel. The civilian later succumbed to his injuries. - IANS