Srinagar: A 24-year-old civilian has succumbed to injuries after he suffered bullet injury during clashes with government forces in near encounter site Chowgam village of Kulgam district.

The slain youth has been identified as Rouf Ahmad Ganai son of Abdul Salam Ganai, a resident of Anchidora Anantnag. Reports said that Rouf was hit by a bullet in his throat.

Earlier as the encounter raged in the Chowgam village, local youth assembled near the encounter site and engaged government forces in pitched battles. The forces used bullets and pellets to disperse the protesters.

According to reports, 22 civilians have suffered injuries, many of whom have been referred to Srinagar hospitals for treatment.

Five militants were killed in the encounter that raged for almost 12 hours.