J&K: 2 killed, 17 injured in clashes near anti-militancy operation site

Two persons were killed and 17 others injured today in clashes between security forces and stone-pelting protesters near the site of an anti-militancy operation in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Durbugh area of Chadoora in the wee hours following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces.

As the security forces were engaged in the exchange of firing with holed-up militants, a large number of protesters started pelting stones at the law enforcing agencies, the official said.

He said two persons were killed in clashes between the protesters and security forces. Seventeen others were also injured in the clashes.

Security forces fired pellet guns and tear smoke shells in a bid to disperse the protesters, the official said.

The gunbattle between security forces and militants was going on till last reports came in, the official said.