Security forces yesterday killed five militants in Jammu and Kashmir, the biggest single-day casualty since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government took direct control of the state, leading to protests.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party pulled out of a coalition government with the People’s Democratic Party in June, citing a deterioration in security, leading to president’s rule or direct control by the federal government.
Dozens of protesters were injured, two of them critically with gunshot wounds, as a large number of youths gathered in Kilora village in South Kashmir’s Shopian district and pelted troops with stones.
Witnesses said troops fired tear gas, pellets and bullets to quell the protests. A doctor at the local hospital said they had received at least two dozen injured people.
Srinagar-based Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the militants were killed yesterday.
The army along with the police on Friday launched an operation against the militants, who, they said, were hiding in Kilora village. The officer said they recovered automatic assault rifles.
Also yesterday, an intruder who was shot dead by security guards for breaching security at the Jammu residence of former chief minister and Lok Sabha member, police said.
Murfad Hussain Shah, 26, breached the outer security ring at Abdullah’s Bhatindi area residence in Jammu around 9am.
“He rammed his black SUV with the gate and entered the residence ransacking everything that came his way. He also had a scuffle with one of the security personnel who received injuries. The intruder was finally shot by a security guard on the stairs leading to Abdullah’s bedroom,” a police officer said.
The intruder belonged to Poonch district. The intrusion was definitely not intended to cause any physical harm to Abdullah as the man did not carry any weapon. Abdullah was not present at his residence when the intrusion occurred.
“The reason for the extremely irresponsible and dangerous act by the intruder is still being verified,” the officer said.
Immediately after the death of the intruder, his weeping and wailing sister appeared at the gate of the VVIP building.
Abdullah has Z-plus security and is protected by the National Security Guards (NSG).
Abdullah’s son Omar, himself a former chief minister, tweeted: “I am aware of the incident that took place at the residence my father and I share in Bhatindi, Jammu. Details are sketchy at the moment. Initial reports suggest an intruder was able to gain entry through the front door and into the upper lobby of the house.”
Meanwhile, Kashmir is bracing for street protests and a two-day strike amid fears that Article 35A, which bars outsiders from owning property or getting jobs in the state, will be repealed when the Supreme Court hears a petition tomorrow.
Protesters clash with security forces in Shopian yesterday.
