Youth killed, three SOG personnel injured in firing incident in Bhaderwah, Doda; mobile internet suspended in district

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 17 (STC): A youth was killed and three personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG)were injured in a firing incident that took place in Bhaderwah area of ​​Doda district late on Thursday night. Following the incident, authorities have suspended mobile internet services in the entire Doda district.
According to police officials, an SOG team had laid an ambush in the upper area on Jai Gandoh Road, about 35 km from Bhaderwah town, after receiving information about suspicious movement.
An attempt was made to stop a youth at around 11:30 pm, however, it is alleged that he attacked the personnel and tried to snatch a government service rifle. A scuffle broke out during which an SOG official opened fire, official said. He said that the youth was seriously injured in the firing while three policemen were also injured. All the injured were immediately shifted to the Sub-District Hospital Bhaderwah, from where they were referred to the Government Medical College Doda for better treatment.
Officials said that the injured youth has been identified as 30-year-old Arif Hussain, a resident of Chika village, who succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The reports said the police have also detained a religious preacher in connection with the incident. However, according to officials, his connection or role in the incident is not clear at the initial stage and investigation is underway.
Additional police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel have been deployed in Bhaderwah town as a precaution to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the army has also launched a massive search operation in the area to detect any suspicious activity or potential threat in the area.
Meanwhile, in order to maintain law and order in Doda district, the administration has suspended mobile internet services in the entire district. According to government officials, the ban has been imposed in all important areas of the district, including Doda Town, Bhaderwah, Bhaleesa and Thathri. Officials said that internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of any kind of rumours, inflammatory material or misinformation and to maintain law and order.
(Straight Talk Communications)