Civilian killed in firing on protesters in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 20:54:06|Editor: MJ
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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A civilian was killed and several others were injured Friday after government forces fired on protesters near a gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out in the morning at village Aarwani of Anantnag district, about 46 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"A young man was killed during intense clashes between government forces and protesters in Arwani village," a police official told Xinhua. "The youth Muhammad Ashraf sustained a bullet injury in his abdomen during the clashes near the gunfight site."

According to police, no sooner the government forces cordoned off the area to take on militants, dozens of people, mostly youth, marched to the spot hurling stones and brickbats in a bid to help militants break through the siege.

Locals said Indian forces fired tear gas shells, shotgun pellets and warning shots to scare away the protesters.

"A young man was brought dead in the hospital, while as some people who have suffered injuries were provided medical aid," a health official at district hospital said.

Meanwhile, the fierce gunfight in the village is under way.

Locals said sound of blasts and gunfire is resonating in the village and can be heard from a distance.

"We have been hearing sound of explosions and continuous gunfire from the village since morning," Gul Mohammed, a local resident said.

Police officials suspect two to three militants are present in the village.

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