An Army jawan and four civilians were killed during an encounter with holed up terrorists in the Khudwani area of Kulgam district in South Kashmir on Wednesday.
The civilians were reportedly killed when the security forces fired gun shots to disperse a violent mob that pelted stones at them from three sides in a bid to enable escape of the terrorists holed up in a house in the village.
Confirmation about elimination of the holed up two to three terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT) was awaited. Reports said that the terrorists somehow managed to escape as not even a single body has been recovered from the encounter spot.
The security forces were watching the situation through drones and helicopters that were flying in the area.
Army spokesman identified the soldier as 24-year-old Sepoy Sada Gunakara Roy of Village Atisurikaviti of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh and is survived by his parents. He was flown to the 92 Base Hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.
Reports said that three soldiers were wounded in exchange of fire with terrorists and one of them succumbed in the hospital. About 12 civilians were injured while clashing with security forces and three of them were killed when the police opened fire to disperse them.
The killed civilians have been identified as Sarjeel Ahmad Sheikh (25) of Khudwani village, Faisal Elahi (15) of Melhoora Shopian, Aijaz Ahmad Palla (30) of Batpura and Bilal Ahmad Tantrey (16) of Frisal.
Security forces claimed that they had no alternative but to open fire in self defence at the stone pelting mobs.
A police officer said that the area was cordoned and a search operation launched following reports of some LeT terrorists hiding in a house. The encounter erupted when the terrorists fired at the security personnel who zeroed in on the house where the terrorists were hiding.
Mobs of civilians from the nearby villages emerged at the encounter spot and started pelting stones at the security forces in a bid to break the cordon and enable escape of terrorists.
Reports of protests in other parts of the valley against killing of civilians have been received. All education institutions have been shut as a precautionary measure.
The police urged the people not to fall prey to rumors that were being spread to disturb peace.
Army paid befitting tribute to the soldier Gunakara Rao in a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonement in Srinagar. Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks, paid homage to the soldier on behalf of a proud nation.
In a show of solidarity, representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldier, Army spokesman said.
Mortal remains of the soldier were flown for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours.