Pak hell bent upon creating trouble in J-K: Nirmal Singh

Coming down heavily on Pakistan for the ongoing encounters in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara and Poonch, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Sunday said Islamabad is hell bent upon creating trouble in the valley.

"These are highly condemnable actions of Pakistan because it has been done by Pakistan. On one hand, they are creating trouble in Kashmir...they are hell bent upon creating trouble in Jammu. They are doing all efforts to create trouble in Jammu and Kashmir. Innocent people are being killed," Singh told ANI.

Divulging details of the Poonch encounter, Singh said one policeman has been killed and another has been seriously injured.

"Now, the encounter is going on. Latest details are awaited. The area has been cordoned and operation is going on," he added.

Asserting that militancy and terrorism is a creation of Pakistan, Singh said Islamabad will ultimately suffer because of the same.

"Pakistan has become a failed state. See what's happening in Balochistan, Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and other areas in Karachi. Ultimately, Pakistan is going to suffer. I don't know why they are so mad about creating trouble in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Meanwhile, four terrorists have been killed in the ongoing encounter with the security forces in Nowgam.

Four weapons have so far been recovered from the slain terrorists, while search operation is currently underway.

As many as 12 civilians have been injured in a clash between the security forces and protesters in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

On the other hand, at least two to three terrorists are suspected to be around the mini-secretariat in Allah Pir area of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district where an encounter is currently underway with the security forces.

Earlier today, a police personnel was killed in the ongoing gunfight.

Earlier this week, clashes broke out in Shopian where the protesters set ablaze a mini-secretariat building, injuring more than 80 people.

Kashmir is witnessing unrest post the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.