July 22
An intense gunfight is underway at Wani Mohallah area of Khudwani in South Kashmir’s Kulgam District early morning on Sunday.
Sources told The Kashmiriyat that the encounter erupted when Militants opened fire on troops who were conducting a search operation in the area following inputs about militant presence in the area.
The troops including 1RR of Indian Army and Jammu Kashmir Police had jointly launched the operation when suddenly they were fired upon around 4 am.
As per the latest report massive exchange of gunfire is on between Militants and Government Forces.
2-3 Militants are believed to be trapped.
Meanwhile Internet has been suspended across Kulgam and Islamabad Districts.
Wani Mohallah pertinently is the same locality in Khudwani where an encounter had raged on 11 April, but Militants had managed to escape after nearly 15 hours of exchange of gunfire.
Live Updates
6:45 am: Massive Clashes erupt in villages around the encounter site, Hundreds of women and men hit the streets.
6:55 am: One house burnt in which Militants were believed to be hiding, however firing still on.
7:10 am: Massive Blast heard near the encounter site, gunfire still on.
7:20 am: More troops rush to the spot, CRPF men also called-in in large numbers to disperse stone throwing crowds.
7:21: Firing Stops, Complete lull, No exchange of fire on either sides.
7:39: Firing starts again, Intense Exchange of Gunfire, 3-4 Militants are trapped, as per locals.
7:45: One Militant has been reportedly killed, two More Militants believed to be exchanging gunfire with Government Forces.
7:50: Another Massive blast heard near the encounter site, Complete lull prevails.
8:00: Massive clashes continue amid heavy tear gas and tear smoke shelling, Aerial firing also used to disperse protesters.
8:03: Three Militants have been killed in the encounter, operation still underway, one of them likely a Khudwani Local identified as Umar, another one Suhail and the last one is believed to be a foreign Militant.
8:20: Many House around the gunfight sight have been damaged, partially or fully.