Clashes flared up after Indian security forces allegedly targeted a residential house where they said militants were hiding. It is the third day of the operation in Kupwara, Indian news outlet NDTV reports. The outlet stated shots were fired in an exchange between police and alleged militants on Friday resulting in the death of one civilian.
NDTV reported four security personnel and one civilian were killed in an “encounter” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Handwara area.
Police sources said there was no clarity about how many supposed terrorists had been killed.
These latest developments come after a week of tensions between India and Pakistan.
The bitter standoff came to a head when an Indian aircraft crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday, sparking the capture of Indian IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later released as a “peace gesture” on Friday.
READ MORE: India sent warning after two Pakistan soldiers killed at border
Shelling across the so-called Line of Control (LoC) dividing the Himalayan territory of Kashmir between the two nuclear-armed rivals continued throughout Saturday, when two Pakistani soldiers were killed after exchanging fire with their Indian foes.
In a stark warning to India, Islamabad said its air force and navy “continue to be alert and vigilant”.
Army chief, General Bipin Rawat on Saturday reportedly reviewed the security situation along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in Jammu region.
News agency IANS quoted a defence statement as saying: “During the visit to the Corps Headquarters, the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) was briefed and updated by Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, GOC, White Knight Corps about the current operational situation, prevailing security scenario and the preparedness of the formation.”
More to follow…