25 killed in Kashmir valley

An army major and 18 militants, including nine foreign mercenaries, were among the 25 killed in the Kashmir valley on Tuesday night.

Security forces also captured nine ultras in their night operations.

Official sources said troops killed two militants of the outlawed Hizbul Mujahideen group in an encounter at Shopain in the south Kashmir district of Pulwama. An army major was also killed in the clash.

In another incident, troops launched a massive search in Machil sector following reports that large number of foreign militants were holed there. Sources said as troops were proceeding towards the area to seal all exit points, militants fired on them. The troops returned the fire, killing nine and losing one soldier. Reinforcement has been rushed to the area and massive searches are on to nab the remaining ultras.

In the Anantnag district, troops killed two militants during search operations. Another was arrested, and two AK-56 rifles, four grenades, one pistol and five magazines recovered. Troops also recovered 12 hand grenades and two boxes of ammunition from near the line of actual control in Baramulla district.

Sources said a civilian, Abdul Rashid, was abducted and later killed by militants at Ganderbal on the outskirts of the city early on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, a rehabilitation project for relatives of militancy victims was initiated Wednesday morning, with Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah distributing appointment letters to 102 in Srinagar district. The project envisages providing special government posts being created for them.

Dr Abdullah said the bread-winners of many families were snatched away due to the 'alien gun culture.' No effort can bring back their near and dear ones; all the government could do was try to minimise their miseries by such efforts, he said.