Srinagar : Thousands of people participated in the last rites of slain youth who was killed in a shootout between militants and the army at Kakapora area of South Kashmir’ Pulwama district on late Saturday night.

Locals alleged that civilian whom they identified as Bilal Ahmed Ganaie, a Sumo driver was shot dead by Army. Thousands of people in Kakapora and adjacent villages didn’t sleep and hold protest against army throughout night. They used public address system asking more and more people to hit to roads to protest against what they termed as the ‘murder’ of an innocent civilian by Army.

A police official said that the civilian was killed in the exchange of fire between army and militants.

A soldier identified as Vikram Singh also lost his life.

Pertinently, army came under attack from militants on Sunday night resulting in the death of two persons including a soldier. Militants targeted Kakapora based army camp. The exchange of fire continued for at least 10 minutes. After the attack, Government Forces cordoned of Dogam and adjacent villages to track down the militants, however, they could not find any one. The operation was called off during predawn hours. Locals staged protest throughout night. Thousands of people from adjacent villages rushed to Narwah village and participated in the last rites of the civilian Bilal Ahmed.

Authorities in a bid to maintain law and order deployed heavy contingent of police and Para-military troopers in the restive parts of Pulwama district while high speed internet was also snapped to stop alleged rumours.

Srinagar-Banihal train was suspended for the day while, from Srinagar to Baramulla it chugged normally.

Police issued a statement with regard to Kakapora attack on Monday wee hours. As per statement militants in Pulwama on Saturday evening attacked an army camp by indiscriminate firing at Kakapora resulting in a serious injury to one jawan of army and a civilian.

“Consequently both the jawan and the civilian succumbed to their injuries.It is learnt that taking advantage of the darkness militants managed to escape.”

“Police has registered a case in this matter and investigation has been initiated.” (CNS)