Three gunfights underway in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, March 21 (IANS) Two policemen and a civilian were injured on Thursday as security forces and militants battled each other in three places in the Kashmir Valley, authorities said.

While the first gunfight erupted in Sopore town, two gun battles were reported later from Bandipora and Baramulla districts.

Police said security forces started a cordon and search operation in Hajin area in Bandipora district following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants there.

The militants who were in hiding opened fire at the security forces in Mir Mohalla.

"Security forces are carrying out the operation with caution as two civilians are reportedly inside the house from where the militants are firing at the security forces," a police officer said.

Hajin was once considered a zone "liberated" from militant control.

Another gunfight started in Kandi area of Baramulla district after security forces resumed on Thursday morning a search operation which was suspended due to darkness on Wednesday evening.

"As the search operation was resumed, militants fired at the security forces, triggering an encounter in Kandi," the officer said.

Two policemen - a Station House Officer (SHO) and his security guard - and a civilian were injured earlier on Thursday when militants hurled a grenade at security forces in Warpora area of Sopore town.

"Both the policemen have been shifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment. The operation against the militants is going on," a police officer said.

A civilian sustained bullet injury in his leg in the Sopore gunfight. He too was shifted to hospital and his condition was stated to be stable.

As a precaution, authorities suspended mobile Internet service in Sopore town.