Forest official shot dead

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 23: Militants tonight killed a Forest Department official in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district while a soldier was injured in a brief gunfight in Kupwara forests of North Kashmir late last night.
Militants tonight barged into house of a Forest Department official in Kunzar area of Tangmarg in Baramulla district. The Forest official has been identified as Tariq Ahmad Malik, 38, of Zandpal, Kunzer Tangmarg.
The militants fled away after carrying out the attack. Malik was left in a pool of blood and was rushed to hospital where he was declared as brought dead. Security forces reached the village and massive manhunt has been launched against militants responsible for the attack.
A police spokesman said: “Terrorists have shot dead one 38 year old Forest Department employee Tariq Ahmad Malik R/o Zandpal,Kunzer Tangmarg at his house.” One terrorist involved in this murder was identified by locals as Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo of Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist outfit.”
A soldier was injured in a brief gunfight in Kupwara forests of North Kashmir late last night.
Army’s 47 RR ambush party and a group of militants exchanged fire at Babar Nad forests of Wagbhal late last night. The soldier Gursay Singh was injured in the encounter and was taken to military hospital Drugmulla for treatment. The condition of the injured soldier is stated to be stable.
Meanwhile, reinforcement of army and SOG reached the site and launched searches to trace the fleeing militant group. The operation is going on.