Srinagar: Two separate encounters broke out between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam and Pulwama districts on Tuesday police said.
Three unidentified militants and a soldier were killed while two jawans were injured in two separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam and Pulwama districts on Tuesday, police said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Redwani area of Kulgam district around midnight, a police official said.
The operation was launched after receiving information about the presence of militants in the area, he said.
The official said as searches were underway, the militants fired on the forces, who retaliated.
He said the gunfight is going on and further details were awaited.
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In another operation, the official said, exchange of fire is on between security forces and militants at Hafoo area of Tral in Pulwama district.
The area was cordoned off by security forces Tuesday morning after receiving intelligence input about the presence of militants there, he said.
Firing was going on when last reports came in, the official said, adding further details were awaited.
Fourth phase of J&K panchayat polls
Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said.
The officials said polling started at 8 am and would end at 2 pm.
They said 777 polling stations – 571 in the Kashmir division and 206 in the Jammu division – have been categorised as hypersensitive.
Of the total, 5,470 candidates are in the fray for 339 sarpanch seats and 1,749 panch seats in this phase, the officials said.
They said 99 sarpanchs and 969 panchs have been elected unopposed in the fourth phase.
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In total 4,72,160 people have the right to exercise their franchise for sarpanch seats and 3,32,502 for panch seats, the officials said.
In the first phase, held on November 17, 74.1% polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5% in the Kashmir division and 79.4% in the Jammu division.
On November 20, the second phase was held. Overall 71.1% polling was recorded in the state, with 80.4% in the Jammu division and 52.2% in the Kashmir division.
In the third phase, the state recorded a 75.2% polling. The Kashmir division recorded 55.7% and the Jammu division 83.0%.
The officials said all arrangements, including those related to security, have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.
(PTI)