39 killings in Kashmir during Ramzan ceasefire

The holy month of Ramzan in Kashmir saw 39 killings and over 60 incidents of militant-related violence despite unilateral ceasefire announced by the Center.

Those killed include nine security men, six civilians and 24 militants.

Out of the 24 militants killed during the ceasefire month, 22 were neutralised along the Line of Control (LoC) while trying to infiltrate, the army figures said.

The other two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in north Kashmir's Bandipora district after the ultras ambushed an army patrol.

Out of the nine security forces personnel killed, five were from J&K police and four were army men— one of them was abducted and later killed by militants in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The deadliest attack during the Ramzan ceasefire was carried by unidentified gunmen, suspected to be militants, in the heart of Srinagar on June 14, which left veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his two security guards dead.

However, there was reduction in the number of civilian protesters killed during the ceasefire with two causalities reported in security forces action.

While one was killed reportedly in Army firing in Pulwama, another was crushed to death by a CRPF vehicle during a stone-throwing incident in Srinagar.

Militants also killed three civilians. One among them was beheaded in front of his family in the Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

During Ramzan, however, there was a spurt in grenade attacks. At least 18 grenade attacks took place which left nearly 60 people, including 27 security forces personnel, injured.