LOC18:08
15:08 GMT
NEW SELHI, March 28 (KUNA) -- Indian security authorities announced on Tuesday that the security forces killed a militant and three civilians in a gunfight in Budgam district of North Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Indo Asian News Agency said quoting defence ministry spokesman Rajesh Kalia that the gunfight which lasted for almost ten hours ended in the afternoon when the lone militant holed up inside a house in Durbugh village of Budgam's Chadoora was killed.
He added: "The body of the slain militant and his weapon have been recovered from the site of the gunfight which has ended." Three local protesting youth named as Zahid Rashid Ganai, Saqib Ahmed and Ishfaq Ahmed Wani were also killed when Indian security forces fired on stone pelting protesters.
Kalia added that the security forces launched the search and cordon off operation following specific intelligence information about the presence of militants in Durbugh village. The holed up militants fired upon the security personnel as they came closer sparking an intense gunfight and resultant killing of the militant.
Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting and funding the armed groups in Kashmir, claims which Islamabad denies and insists that Kashmir people are defending their freedom. (end)
atk.mt