Srinagar: More than fifty civilians have suffered injuries during clashes with government forces in Kharpora and Sirnoo villages of southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district Saturday. More than 10 injured have been referred to Srinagar hospitals for treatment, doctors at Sub District Hospital Pulwama said.

The clashes erupted as soon the government forces launched a cordon and search operation in Kharpora villages following inputs of presence of militants in the village. The caso turned into an encounter in which three Hizb militants were killed.

The clashes continued and the government forces used bullets, pellets and other ammunition to disperse the protesters, eyewitnesses said.

During the clashes many civilian were hit with bullets leaving them injured critically. Six of the injured succumbed to injuries while more than three dozen are admitted to different hospitals of Pulwama and some have been referred to Srinagar.