1 militant killed in encounter in Budgam; 3 civilians killed, 23 CRPF jawans injured during protests

Four people, including three civilians and a militant, were killed in an encounter and subsequent protests near the encounter site in Chadoora area of Budgam district of central Kashmir. Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yaseen Malik have called for a strike on March 29 and called for protests after the Friday prayers.

Massive protests at encounter sites is turning out to be a routine affair in Kashmir, adding to the worries of the government, as this trend exhibits the renewed mass support for militancy, which is growing with every passing day.

This year, the government forces have killed around 30 militants and at least eight civilians including a seven-year-old girl at different encounter sites.

J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, while referring to the encounter in a public rally said violence was not any option and only peace and dialogue can lead to a solution.

“Violence has given people of the state innumerable miseries…No one will be able to do anything at a point when violence becomes a norm,” the government spokesperson quoted Mufti as saying.

Jammu and Kashmir: Budgam Encounter has ended,terrorist killed by security forces, army jawan injured (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/9v9zzgQN5J

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 28, 2017

The encounter
The encounter began on Tuesday morning when a joint team of 53 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group of police and CRPF started a search operation in Durbagh village, around 20 km from Srinagar. The exchange of fire continued till afternoon. Protests erupted soon after the news of encounter spread and people from nearby areas started marching towards the encounter site to disrupt the operation and helped the militants flee from the spot.

The three civilians were identified as Zahid Rashid Ganai, who was brought to SMHS hospital in Srinagar, where he died and Aamir Waza, who was declared brought dead at the sub-district hospital in Chadoora and Ishfaq Ahmad who succumbed to injuries at SMHS hospital. The militant has been identified as Touseef Ahmad Wagay of Kulgam district in south Kashmir. According to the police, one army man and a few CRPF personnel received injuries as well.

After five months of protests last year following the killing of Hiz bul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani along with his two colleagues, massive protests at encounter sites have been the routine of the day. Last month, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had warned that civilian protestors obstructing encounters, would be treated as ‘over ground workers of militants’ dealt with ‘harshly’ and army could go ‘helter-skelter.’

The protests continued even after the warning. HM’s new commander, Zakir Rashid alias Zakir Musa had praised protestors for coming out in defence of militants during these encounters. He urged locals, who throw stones at government forces to think about their intention and follow the tenets of Islam.

Earlier on Sunday, two militants of HM were killed in a shootout in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. As per official records, around 214 militants including 80 foreigners listed with the government, are active in Kashmir.

Even pro-India politicians including former chief minister Omar Abdullah have expressed concern over the security situation in Kashmir. National Conference and Congress had also urged the government to stop encounters as the parliamentary bypolls in Srinagar and Anantnag constituencies are due in April.