Youth killed in firing during Kashmir clash

A youth was killed and three people were injured Monday when security forces fired at a stone-pelting mob in Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The incident took place when the mob started pelting stones at security forces following the death of a Pakistani militant -- identified as Mehmood Bhai of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit -- in an overnight gun battle with the security forces.

Police said in a statement that after the completion of the operation in Baba Raza Krankshevan area in which the Pakistani militant was killed, the security personnel were returning from the area when they were pelted with stones.

"The mob attempted to set afire a security armoured vehicle. Security forces used non-lethal weapons but the situation could not be controlled," police said.

A few shots were fired injuring four people.

One of the injured, identified as Arshad Ahmad Shah, son of Abdul Aziz Shah and resident of Seer Jagir area, succumbed to the injuries.

The other injured were hospitalised and were said to be out of danger.

Protestors carrying the body of the youth refused to bury him unless those responsible for the killing were punished.

On Sunday evening, security forces surrounded a house in Krankshevan area on receiving information about two-three guerrillas hiding inside. While the Pakistani guerrilla was killed, an associate believed to be a local escaped from the site.