Standoff continues after J&K cross-firing

Srinagar July 1 (IANS) A standoff continued on Saturday following a cross-firing between security forces and holed-up militants in Jammu and Kashmir s Anantnag district police said.

Bashir Lashkari a militant commander believed to have masterminded an ambush in Achabal area where six policemen including a Station House Officer (SHO) was killed last month is hiding in a house in Brenthi Batpora village with three of his associates top police sources told IANS.

There is a civilian family inside the house...It is a hostage situation and our first priority is the their safety the sources added.

The cross-firing began after security forces launched an operation in the village following a tip-off about the militants hiding in the house.

A woman civilian identified as Tahira was killed in the incident.

Meanwhile locals started pelting stones at the security forces. Twelve protesters were reported to be injured.

Additional forces have been rushed to the spot including paramilitary troops and a helicopter to secure the safe release of the civilians trapped in the house the police added.

--IANS
sq/ksk