One killed, several injured in security force action in Pulwama

Srinagar, Dec 15: A youth was killed and several others were injured when security forces opened fire, burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse demonstrators who hit the streets in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, where an encounter ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), official sources said.

Mobile internet service has been suspended in Pulwama as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours.

Large number of people, mostly youths, hit the streets at Sirnoo and adjoining areas in Pulwama immediately after encounter ensued between militants and security forces this morning. However, when the demonstrators, raising slogans, tried to move towards the encounter area to disrupt the operation, security forces and state police personnel swung into action and resorted to lathicharge to disperse them.

Later, security forces opened fire and burst teargas shells after the demonstrators refused to disperse, they said, adding that clashes were going on when the reports last came in. Several persons were injured, they said, adding that the injured were rushed to hospital, where Amir Ahmad Palla, a resident of Ashminder village of Pulwama later succumbed.