Ranger killed as firing reported in Lal masjid area

Islamabad, July 3 (UNI) A Ranger was killed and two others wounded as the standoff between the government and radical clerics at the capital's Lal Masjid came to a head with an exchange of fire reported in the area.

A Ranger was killed and two others wounded in an exchange of fire between people, shooting from inside the mosque compound, and the paramilitary personnel deployed in the area, reports on a private TV channel said.

The security forces also used tear gas to disperse hundreds of students in the masjid who pelted stones at them, while veiled women of the neighbouring Jamia Hafsa were on the roof of the building, shouting anti-government and pro-jihadi slogans.

The incident caused tension in the locality resulting in closure of shopping centres and markets, and leading to a massive traffic jam in the area.

UNI