Srinagar, Mar 11 (UNI) People today took to strees at Aripal in south Kashmir district of Pulwama protesting against the killing of two civilians allegedly by Rashitriya Rifles (RR) yesterday.

However, a defence ministry spokesman said that both the civilians were killed by militants during an encounter with troops.

The demonstrators, who also blocked main road and raised slogans against the security forces, alleged that personnel of 50 RR opened fire on people who were opposing for taking some local youths for forced labour (RR).

They said two persons Jehangir Ahmad Khan, an employee in the education department and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, employee of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department, were killed in the unprovoked firing by the troops.

Demanding immediate action against the troops involved in the firing on civilians, the demonstrators said there was no militant present in the area.

A defence ministry spokesman said that a search and cordon operation was launched by the troops of 50 RR when an information was received about the presence of some militants there.

He said when the army personnel were sealing the area, militants trying to flee, opened indiscriminate firing, killing two civilians.

Spokesman said militants later used civilians, including women and children, as human shield to escape from the cordoned off area.

UNI