Image credit : Illustrative image

Even civilians were killed in the clashes that erupted after an encounter in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday. More than 15 people were also injured after security forces reportedly fired live ammunition on the protesters near the site of the gunfight.

In the morning, three terrorists — including jawan-turned-terrorist Zahoor Ahmad Thokar — were killed in the encounter. An Army jawan was also killed and two other soldiers were injured.

Hizbul Mujahideen in July had claimed that Zahoor Ahmad Thokar of 173 Territorial Army, who was missing along with his service rifle and ammunition, had joined the militant outfit.

The encounter broke out after the security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Sirnoo village after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Internet service has been suspended in the area after the encounter.