2 ultras killed, says Army, locals allege unprovoked attack

Srinagar, July 17 (UNI) Troops gunned down two militants in a night-long operation in north Kashmir, a defence ministry spokesman said.

However, people took to streets alleging that there was no militants and troops set on fire two houses without any provocation.

A defence ministry spokesman said troops on specific information cordoned off village Arin, Bandipora, about 55 km from here, in north Kashmir last night.

However, when the troops were about to storm a particular house, militants hiding inside, opened fire and also hurled grenades.

The cordon around the particular house was further tightened and militants were repeatedly asked to surrender, he said adding militants continued firing from automatic weapons.

Troops also retaliated, sources said adding the operation was suspended late in the night because of darkness.

The encounter again ensued after a search party tried to storm the house.

Two militants were killed in the encounter, the spokesman said.

A report from Baramulla said that local residents took to streets immediately after the cordon was lifted by the troops in the area.

The residents demonstrated against the troops, alleging that troops fired mortars and damaged two houses without any provocation.

They said no militant body was recovered from the debries by the security forces or police during the searches.

Demanding full compensation for the victims, the demonstrators said those reponsible for damaging the houses should be punished.

UNI BAS VD BST1757