SRINAGAR: Security forces in Kashmir were engaged in yet another standoff with Hizbul Mujahideen militants on Saturday with the fighters holed up in a house in Tral on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The gunfight broke out late Saturday evening and one militant was killed in the action but security personnel were hampered by the congregation of local people who threw stones as cover for the militants inside. Some protesters snatched a CRPF jawan's rifle, officials said. Curfew has been imposed in the locality to prevent people from gathering.
In a fierce battle, half of the house was brought down by security forces as the militants inside kept up ceaseless fire.
In other action in the valley, six CRPF personnel sustained injuries as their mobile bunker overturned while chasing a group of 'miscreants' in the Heff area of Shopian district, a police official said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chillipora village in Shopian district Friday night after receiving information about the presence of militants there. However, the overnight operation was called off as the militants managed to escape from the security cordon.
The exchange of fire ended late Friday night but security forces did not lift the cordon so as to prevent the militants from fleeing.
"House-to-house searches were launched at daybreak on Saturday, but no arrests were made. The militants apparently managed to escape last night itself," the official said.
Several persons had assembled by the roadside at Heff holding protests against the operation.