Srinagar: Government forces on Tuesday evening cordoned off Wugargund area of Karimabad village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and conducted searches as they suspected the presence of some militants.

Official sources said that the contingents of army’s 55 RR, CRPF’s 182, 183 bn and Special Operation Group (SOG) of police cordoned off the Wugargund hamlet.

Soon after the cordon, youth took to streets and pelted stones on the forces. The police and paramilitary CRPF deployed in the area used tear smoke shells to disperse them. There were announcements through public address systems in local mosques, asking people to come out of their homes. Soon more youth took to streets and indulged in clashes, they said.

Earlier, reports said that some gunshots were heard in the village.

The area continues to be under forces’ siege and there was no exchange of gunfire when this report was filed.

More reinforcement has been rushed to the area by the army.

SSP Pulwama Mohammad Aslam Choudary when contacted said that the cordon was launched following the inputs about the presence of some militants.

He said that there were minor clashes and the situation has been brought under control. (GNS)

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