LOC17:42
14:42 GMT
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (KUNA) -- Eleven people including seven civilians, three militants and a soldier were killed in an encounter and subsequent confrontation between civilians and security forces in Pulwama district of north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian police said on Saturday.
Quoting local police sources, the Press Trust of India said seven civilians were killed and dozens of others were injured as the security forces opened fire at the crowd which tried to storm an encounter site in Sirnoo village of Pulwama where a soldier and three militants were killed.
The protests erupted as the forces encircled Sirnoo village following information about the presence of militants including Army deserter Zahoor Ahmad Thoker.
Several political leaders in the state condemned the killings and accused the administration of failing to safeguard people's lives. In order to prevent escalation, local authorities have tightened security arrangements and suspended internet services in several areas of Kashmir.
New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting and funding the armed groups in Kashmir, claims which Islamabad denies. (end)
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