Clashes help militants slip away in J&K

Srinagar : A stone pelting mob in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramullah district on Friday attacked security forces engaged in a gunfight with militants, giving the terrorists scope to escape.

Earlier in the day, the security personnel had cordoned off Palhalan area for searches following reports that a group of militants were hiding there.

When the cordon was tightened, the hiding militants fired at the security forces triggering the gun battle, the police said.

There was a brief exchange of gunfire between the two sides before the stone pelting youth engaged the security forces in clashes.

As the security personnel used tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters, informed sources said the hiding militants managed to escape .

An official confirmation is awaited on whether the operation has been called off or was still on-going.

IANS