Violent Mob Tried To Overpower Troops, Fired In Air: Army
SRINAGAR A teenager was killed and a girl injured when the Army fired on protesters in a Pulwama village on Friday, reports said. This is the first civilian death since the security forces halted operations against militants in Kashmir in the holy month of Ramazan.
Residents said after army entered the village in Noupora-Litter and tried to vandalize the property of local militantShaju Tiger, people assembled there and clashed with the army personnel.
Vikas Ahmad,18, and a girl Ruqaya Jan daughter of Ghulam Mohammad Magray,were hit by bullets when the army opened fire, police sources said.
Critically injured Viqas was shifted to Srinagars SMHS hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The condition of the girl was stated to be out of danger.
Meanwhile, army in a statement issued here said that army personnel were conducting an Area Domination Patrol in a MPV.
The road at Naupora was blocked by 3-4 cars parked on the wrong side of the road. Army personnel got off their vehicle to request the drivers and owners to move the cars. The house reportedly belonged to Aabid Manzoor Magray. On seeing the Army personnel, a huge crowd gathered at the site and started pelting stones and closing on to the troops endangering the safety of the troops and government property, the statement said.
The troops cautioned the crowd verbally. However, the mob turned violent and tried to overpower the troops. Army personnel resorted to aerial firing, extricated themselves and continued with their patrol.
SSP Pulwama Mohammad Aslam Choudhary also confirmed the death of the youth.
Locals of the area alleged that the soldiers raided number of houses including one belonging to a militant which triggered clashes in the village.
“The troops vandalized the property and beat up the residents,” they alleged.
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