Burqa-clad militants open fire in busy Kashmir market, 3 hurt

One of the suspected militants was arrested by police but his accomplices managed to escape

Some burqa-clad militants today opened fire in a busy market in Pulwama, about 35 kms from here, when confronted by police, leaving three civilians, including two women injured, police said.

One of the suspected militants, wearing burqa to masquerade as a woman, was arrested by police but his accomplices managed to escape, police said.

"The militants opened firing in Pulwama town when they saw a police party, resulting in injuries to some civilians. One of suspected militants who was wearing a burqa has been arrested," Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) S J M Gillani said.

He said a "sharp-edged" weapon has been recovered from the possession of the arrested person, who has been identified as Tariq Ahmad Shiekh, a local resident.

Gillani said the accomplices of the arrested person managed to escape from the spot but the police personnel did not open fire "as the place was crowded with people".

The militants left behind the vehicle in which they were travelling when challenged by the police personnel.

The injured civilians were identified as Rehti, who sustained gun shot in arm, Wahida, who was shot in the foot and Reyaz Ahmad Teli, who suffered injuries in leg.

Some youth started pelting stones at the police personnel in the area after the incident but the situation was brought under control by the cops by using baton charge.