Pulwama, February 18 (KNO) : Fresh exchange of gunfire has erupted in the Pinglena area of Pulwama district after four hours of initial firefight that left five dead.
Sources said that after more than 6 hours long search fresh contact with militants have been established and exchange of fire has erupted between the two sides.
Earlier four army men were killed including a Major ranking officer.A civilian as well has died in the gunfight between militants and government forces in Pinglan area of South Kashmir that erupted in the intervening night.
The operation, according to officials, is going on. Reports reaching KNO said that four army men who were critically injured and were evacuated to hospital have succumbed to injuries."The killed personnel include a Major ranking officer as well, " sources said.
The civilian killed in the exchange of fire has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad. A police source told KNO that Ahmad died in the exchange of fire between two sides.
Official told KNO that there was a brief exchange of fire at around 1 am and from then no new contact have been established. Whole area is under cordon and search operation is going on.
Earlier, joint team of army’s 55RR,CRPF 182 BN, 183BN and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area after having credible input about presence of some militants in the area.
As the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot the hiding militants fired upon government forces triggering an encounter.(KNO)