Representational pic

Pulwama, Nov 19 After a gunfight broke out between militants and Joint Forces in Parigam village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, soldiers from 53 Rashtriya Rifles along with Police and CRPF laid a siege around another hamlet of Pulwama and launched a search operation, triggering clashes and protest.

Local sources said that youth hit to roads and pelted stones on joint forces after they launched a search operation in Astan Mohalla area of Karimabad village.

Local sources added that atmosphere reverberated with slogans after some youth resorted to sloganeering using public address system of the mosque.

An official feigned ignorance about the clashes, but added that area has been cordoned off after the input about the movement of militants in the village.

Pertinently, Joint team of forces including 53 RR had launched 3rd Cordon & search operation (CASO) in a week at another village of Astanpora, Rahmoo yesterday, following reports about the presence of some militants in the area. Even lights had been installed yesternight, but the operation was called off later. (KNT)