Firefight resumes b/w holdup militants-forces

Srinagar, Oct 5: With the first light firefight between the militants holdup in a hotel and security forces resumes at Badshah Chowk near here.

Security forces suspended the operation against the holdup militants because of darkness in the area to avoid further causalities.

Two police personnel have so far died and six other including four civilians were wounded in the shootout which ensued after militants made and abortive bid to storm the heavily-guarded Dashnami Akhara, housing the holy mace of Lord Shiva at 1115 hours yesterday. However unconfirmed reports said that five security personnel have died and eight others wounded in the shoot out.

Sharp shooters have been deployed in all the nearby building around the hotel Standard where militants are holdup attacking Security forces since yesterday.

UNI