Jammu & Kashmir: Militants hold citizens hostage as security forces close in
The hostages include a 10-year-old boy. Security forces are engaged in the rescue effort.
A hostage situation is developing in Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir as militants are suspected to be holding a person hostage inside a house.
The incident took place on Thursday in Bandipora as the militants entered a house to shield themselves from security forces. The forces were carrying out cordon and search operation after they received inputs on presence of miltants in the area.
Six people were trapped inside the house initially. The security forces were able to evacuate five of them during the day.
A 10-year-old boy was among the hostages held at gunpoint by the militants. It is learnt that forces have been able to secure his release.
Efforts are on to evacuate the last hostage.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have had to be alert even on the festive day of Holi on Thursday.
There were ceasefire violations at Line of Control in Nowshera and Sunderbani. Pakistani forces opened fire at Indian posts and even resorted to mortar shelling.
Suspected militants hurled a grenade at policemen in Sopore.