Militant hostage civilians, standoff persists

Dec 24:  The deadlock continues on Monday between Hizbul Mujahideen militants capturing five civilians as hostages inside a mosque and security forces in Kulgam district in south Kashmir.

Three militants entered the mosque at Palnoo village in southern Kulgam district since Sunday afternoon after army troops launched a search operation in the village following specific information about presence of extremists, a defence spokesman said.

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Efforts are being made to secure the release of five civilians, he further added.

Army and state police have surrounded the mosque and in one-sided gunfire by militants from mosque injured two persons comprising a jawan. Return fire was averted by the troops keeping in mind the sanctity of place and safety of the hostages. Militants have been asked to surrender, but no response we have got so far, a defence spokesman said.

A police spokesman said the militants are trying to buy time as they first asked for the deputy commissioner to be present at the site for the negotiation and when he came they are now calling for government functionaries.

The mosque are continued to be besieged by the troops from outskirts but there are no exchange of fire since last evening.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon when the people were coming out from the mosque after offering mid-day prayers.

Police is using public address system to persuade the militants to surrender but so far they have not responded, the spokesman said.