Infant among five killed in Valley

Published August 22, 2003

SRINAGAR, Aug 21: A two-month-old baby was among five people killed in a fierce gunbattle in occupied Kashmir, while other shootouts claimed five more lives, a police spokesman said on Thursday.

Indian army soldiers ringed a residence in the village of Ali Brad Bahak, in Anantnag district, after a tipoff that militants were hiding there.

“When the troops were laying cordon around the house, the militants opened fire,” the spokesman said. The Indian troops returned the fire.

Police said four family members — including a mother and her two-month old baby — trapped inside the besieged house and a pro-India militant accompanying the Indian troops were killed during the fighting.

“The fighting has stopped, but Indian troops are still searching the area for militants,” the spokesman said, adding the militants were believed to have escaped.

Senior district officials have rushed to the village. —AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Parliament’s place
Updated 17 Sep, 2024

Parliament’s place

Efforts to restore parliament’s sanctity must rise above all political differences and legislative activities must be open to scrutiny and debate.
Afghan policy flux
Updated 18 Sep, 2024

Afghan policy flux

A fresh approach is needed, where Pakistan’s security is prioritised and decision taken to improve ties. Afghan Taliban also need to respond in kind.
HIV/AIDS outbreak
17 Sep, 2024

HIV/AIDS outbreak

MULTIPLE factors — the government’s inability to put its people first, a rickety health infrastructure, and...
Political drama
Updated 16 Sep, 2024

Political drama

Govt must revisit its plans to bring constitutional amendments and ensure any proposed changes to judiciary are subjected to thorough debate.
Complete impunity
16 Sep, 2024

Complete impunity

ZERO per cent. That is the conviction rate in crimes against women and children in Sindh, according to data shared...
Melting glaciers
16 Sep, 2024

Melting glaciers

ACCELERATED glacial melt in the Indus river basin, as highlighted recently by the National Disaster Management...