Srinagar:
An alleged timber smuggler was on Saturday killed and another injured in firing by security personnel who suspected them to be militants, sparking violent protests in Shopian district.
Army on Saturday said it has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident which occurred in this south Kashmir district, 65 kms from here. Angry residents torched two Army vehicles after the killing, prompting the security personnel to open fire which left four persons injured.
A defence spokesman said that an operation was launched in Chawan area in Shopian following intelligence inputs from police about terrorists.
"At around 4.15 AM, three persons entered the cordon from outside the village. On being challenged, they started running away leading the troops to open fire.
"One person was killed, another injured and the third one was apprehended and handed over to the police," he said.
At day break, a large crowd of local residents gathered in the area and resorted to stone pelting, the spokesman said.
Protesting against the incident, villagers torched two Army vehicles, police said, adding four persons were injured when Army jawans opened fired on the demonstrators.
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the killing. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti alleged that during the last 15 months, incidents of human rights violation have been increased manifold and renewed her demand for revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA).
The PDP chief also condemned killing of a National Conference activist Sonaullah War and a cable operator Ashiq Hussain in different areas of Kashmir Valley. Hussain was shot dead by militants last night in New Colony Sopore, 55 km from here.