Cop, civilian among 4 killed in J&K gunfight
Srinagar, June 22 : Two militants, a civilian and a policeman were killed on Friday in an ongoing gunfight between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.
Police sources said the civilian was identified as Muhammad Yusuf, the house owner where the militants were holed up. The gun battle is on in Khiram village of Srigufwara area.
"Hafeeza, the wife of the slain house owner has also sustained gunshot injury. She was shifted to hospital for treatment," police said.
Other than this, a member of the special operations group (SOG) of the state police was also killed during the ongoing operation, while three other security personnel were injured.
Earlier, the security forces laid a cordon around the village following specific information about presence of four militants hiding in the house.
"As the cordon was tightened, the militants fired, triggering the encounter, which is still underway," a police officer said. Friday's is the first gunfight after the state was put under the Governor's rule.
Dozens of youth have started pelting stones at the security forces some distance from the encounter site.
Authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in the district to check spread of any kind of rumours.
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Centre to support waste recycling start-ups: Union minister Yadav
Mumbai (PTI): Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday said the Centre will provide financial support to the waste recycling start-ups, and also focus on saving energy and water along with banning single-use plastic.
The minister was speaking after taking part in a Beach Cleanup Campaign at the Juhu beach here as part of the International Coastal Clean-up Day.
"The central government will support start-ups for recycling. My ministry has given guidelines for one-time financial support to such start-ups," he said.
"We know how to use nature's products, but forget to recycle them and litter on beaches and roads. Our focus will be on saving energy, water, banning single-use plastic and stopping wastage of food, promoting healthy lifestyle and e-waste disposal," Yadav said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the state was blessed with a 720 km-long coastline, and keeping it clean will boost tourism.
The economy of several countries is tourism-based, he noted.
The cleanliness drive launched on September 17 at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai will continue till October 2, he said.
Calling cleanliness as a service, Shinde expressed satisfaction that citizens from all over the state were taking part in the drive in large numbers.
The CM said the deep cleaning drive started by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will restart after monsoons where roads are cleaned with recycled water.
"Due to this drive, pollution has also come down," he said.
Talking to reporters later, CM Shinde said awareness regarding cleanliness has grown ever since the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
