Pulwama: Two militants have been killed and another army man succumbed to injuries in the gunfight raging in Pinglena area of Pulwama district taking the death toll to eight. Officials said that the bodies of two militants have been recovered but firing continues. “We believe there are more militants hiding in the area. We have also lost another soldier, he succumbed to injuries,” an official said.
Earlier four army men were killed including a Major ranking officer. A civilian as well has died in the gunfight between militants and government forces in Pinglan area of South Kashmir that erupted in the intervening night.
The operation, according to officials, is going on
The civilian killed in the exchange of fire has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad. A police source said that Ahmad died in the exchange of fire between two sides. The official said that there was a brief exchange of fire at around 1 am.
Earlier, joint team of army’s 55RR,CRPF 182 BN, 183BN and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area after having credible input about presence of some militants in the area.
As the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot the hiding militants fired upon government forces triggering an encounter.