Kashmir: 2 civilians killed in gunfire, LeT commander 'trapped'

Two civilians were killed today when security forces and militants, including a Lashkar-e- Taiba commander, involved in the killing of six policemen last month exchanged fire in a village in Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said.

LeT commander Bashir Lakshari and three other militants were "trapped" inside a house in Dialgam area's Brenti- Batpora, a police official said.

While Tahira, 44, died in the crossfire, Shadab Ahmad Chopan, 21, was allegedly killed in security forces' action against protesters near the encounter site.

Chopan had firearm injuries in his face and was declared dead at SKIMS hospital here, an official said.

Four other persons have been admitted to hospitals here with firearm injuries sustained near the site, he added.

"Bashir Lakshari and three terrorists are trapped in security forces' cordon in village Brenti in Anantnag. The trapped ultras were involved in the killing of an SHO and five other policemen in Achabal area of south Kashmir on June 16," a police spokesperson said.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation early today after they received information about the presence of the militants.

An official said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants opened fire.

The militants used civilians as human shields and security forces managed to rescue 17 of them. He did not elaborate if there were any more hostages.