Three gunfights on in Valley, 1 militant killed (3rd Lead)

A militant was killed and two policemen and a civilian injured on Thursday as security forces and militants battled each other in three places in the Kashmir Valley, authorities said.

While the first gunfight erupted in Sopore town, two gun battles were reported later from Bandipora and Baramulla districts.

Police said one militant was killed in the exchange of fire between security forces and the militants in Mir Mohalla of Hajin area in Bandipora.

"One militant has been killed so far. Another militant is still holed up inside a house where a 12-year-old boy is also believed to be stuck. Another civilian was safely evacuated from the house during the operation," a police officer said.

According to a tweet by the police, the two civilians were being held hostage by the hiding militants. While one was rescued safely with the assistance of security forces and community members, the other, reportedly a minor, was still trapped.

Police said security forces started a cordon and search operation in Hajin - once considered a zone "liberated" from militant control - following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants there.

The militants who were in hiding opened fire at the security forces in Mir Mohalla, sparking off the gunfight.

Another gunfight started in Kandi area of Baramulla after security forces resumed on Thursday morning a search operation which was suspended due to darkness on Wednesday evening.

"As the search operation was resumed, militants fired at the security forces, triggering an encounter in Kandi," the officer said.

Two policemen - a Station House Officer (SHO) and his security guard - and a civilian were injured earlier on Thursday when militants hurled a grenade at security forces in Warpora area of Sopore town and then opened fire.

"Both the policemen have been shifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment. The operation against the militants is going on," a police officer said.

A civilian sustained bullet injury in his leg in the Sopore gunfight. He too was shifted to hospital and his condition was stated to be stable.

As a precaution, authorities suspended mobile Internet service in Sopore town.

--IANS

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