MAY MAYHEM: FIVE CIVILIANS KILLED IN SOUTH KASHMIR

Srinagar, May 06: Like Sunday April 1 – when 20 people including 13 militants, four civilians and three forces personnel were killed in Shopian – the first Sunday of May too saw a repeat of the same, as the day ended with 10 deaths including five militants and five civilians.
Top Hizbul Mujahideen commander and Burhan Wani’s associate Saddam Padder was among the five militants killed in yet another encounter in Badigam area of Shopian district.
All the five civilians who were critically injured in forces firing near and around the gunfight site were shifted to different hospitals where they succumbed.
The slain identified as Sajad Rather of Sehpora Dooru, Zubair Ahmad Nigro of Ayangund Rajpora, Yasir of Shopian and Adil Bashir Ganie of Mahgund Ashmuji Kulgam.
Earlier, a civilian identified as Asif Ahmad Mir (17) of Rahmoo, Pulwama suffered critical head injuries near Badigam and later succumbed to injuries at SMHS hospital.
A police officer also confirmed the killings and said that it is being investigated under what circumstances they were killed.
Five militants including top Hizb commander Saddam Padder and Kashmir University assistant professor Dr Mohammad Rafi were killed in the encounter that broke out early Sunday Badigam village after the joint team of Army, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area.
A policeman and a soldier of 44 RR were injured in the initial exchange of fire with the militants, reports said. The injured were shifted to 92 base military hospital in Badami Bagh Srinagar.
Dozens of protesters have been injured in forces action during clashes near the encounter site.
Two fire service vehicles were torched by angry people protesting against the killing of five militants and as many civilians in Shopian.
Official sources said that angry protesters intercepted the vehicles of Fire and Emergency Department and set them ablaze.
Meanwhile, a senior government official said that restrictions will be imposed in sensitive parts as a precautionary measure across Kashmir.
A railway official said that the train services will also remain suspended on Monday as a precautionary measure.