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Woman killed in crossfire in J&K

August 22, 2011 11:12 IST

One woman was killed and her husband was in jured in an exchange of fire between north Kashmir security forces and terrorists late Sunday night.

A senior police officer said anti-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles had surrounded a meadow area in the upper reaches of Handwara in north Kashmir Kupwara district late Sunday, during which hiding terrorists fired at the search parties.

"In the resulting encounter, a local woman identified as Saleema and her husband Abdul Rashid Paswal were injured. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Saleema succumbed to her injuries", the officer said.

Paswal, who was shot in the arm is stated to be out of danger.

He said the gunfight in the area is sill on. More reinforcements have also been rushed to the area, according to police sources. The officer said other civilians in the area have been safely evacuated.

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar