Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured

A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama on Monday.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable.

Amit Kumar received a gunshot wound in the abdomen.

Police in Pulwama appeal to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives and one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation.

The operation is being carried out by a joint team consisting of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted. 

Earlier in the morning, Army shot dead Gazi Rashid who was the alleged mastermind of the 14th Feb Pulwama attack.

"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.

(With inputs from agencies)