2 civilians killed in south Kashmir firing

Srinagar, Mar 10 (UNI) Two people were killed in a shootout during a search operation at Aribal, Tral in the south Kashmir district of Pulwama this afternoon.

A Defence spokesman said troops of 50 RR received information that some militants were hiding in village Aribal, Tral, about 35 km from here, at 1630 hrs.

A swift operation was launched to nab the militants, he said.

However, when the area was being sealed from all sides, militants opened fire. The fire was returned and in the shootout two civilians were killed.

An exchange of fire between militants still present in the area and security forces was going on when reports came in last, the spokesman added.

However, villagers alleged that the civilians were killed by security forces without any provocation.

They were raising slogans against the security forces.

UNI