Three Hizb militants including soldier turned rebel were killed in a pre-dawn encounter between militants and government forces in Kharpora, Sirnoo area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday morning. Two civilian also got killed during clashes near encounter spot."Based on a credible input about presence of militants at Kharpora, Sirnoo area of Pulwama district, a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of army's 55RR, SOG and 182/183 BN CRPF in the early hours of Saturday," a police official said.As the joint team of forces intensified searches towards suspected spot the hiding militants fired upon government forces triggering an encounter.During this gunfight three militants were killed the identity of the slain militants is yet to be ascertained. Two armymen of 55RR also injured in this gunfight, he said.Sources told VMS that slain militants identified as Zahoor Ahmad Thokar, Tahir Hizbi and Hashim Bhai.
One among slain militants Zahoor Thoker is said to be deserted Armyman.Meanwhile, classes erupted between youths and government forces at encounter site.Sources said that at least ten people have sustained injuries during the ongoing clashes.The Government Forces fired tear smoke shells, pellets and bullets on the protesting youth as they tried to march towards the encounter site.Two youths were killed during clashes with forces, identified as Amir Ahmed Paul of Ashmandar Pulwama Abid Hussain lone son of Ghulam Nabi lone of Karimabad Pulwama, sources told Valley Media Service.Internet service also suspended in Pulwama district. Train services also stopped from Banihal to Baramulla .The clashes were going on while this report was being filed. (VMS)