Two civilians injured in Kashmir gunfight, three in clash

Five civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district sustained bullet injuries Tuesday in two separate incidents - two in a gunfight between militants and security forces, and three in a clash with security personnel as news about the first spread, police said.

Two, including a girl, were injured during a gunfight that ensued when a patrol party of the security forces was fired upon by hiding militants in Dogripora village of Pulwama in the evening, and retaliated, a senior police officer said. The gunfight was still raging as of 10 p.m. with the two militants reportedly having taken shelter in a mosque.

"Two civilians identified as 12-year-old Iqra Jan and a youth identified as Owais sustained gunshot wounds during the firing exchanges between the security forces and the militants.

"While the girl was hit on her hand, the youth sustained a gunshot wound in the abdomen," said the officer, adding both have been taken to a hospital for treatment.

According to the police officer, spontaneous protests erupted in Awantipora town as news about the injuries spread.

Agitated protesters clashed with security forces near the Jamia mosque and three were injured in firing by security forces.

"Three protesters have reportedly sustained bullet injuries in the second incident. They have been shifted to Srinagar for treatment," the officer said.