Kulgam encounter: PDP seeks impartial probe into death of civilians

The PDP on Monday demanded an impartial probe into the death of civilians in a blast at an encounter site in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Condemning the incident, PDP vice president Abdul Rahman Veeri said, "A time-bound investigation is needed in the incident and justice must be accorded to the victims."

Three militants were killed on Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Laroo village, while seven civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight there, officials said.

The officials said immediately after the gunfight ended and the forces withdrew from the spot, civilians rushed to the encounter site where an explosive substance went off resulting in the death of several civilians.

In a statement issued here, Veeri urged the central government to initiate dialogue and reconciliation so that further loss of precious lives in the state is stopped and peaceful atmosphere is created in which all sections of society could feel safe and secure.