NEW DELHI: Kashmiri voters are determined to "defy the diktats" of terrorists, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said, stressing that the terrorists tend to create a volatile atmosphere ahead of polls. "On the eve of these by-elections, terrorists and their supporters tend to create such kind of atmosphere but I am sure the common voters in Kashmir which comprise largely of the young voters are determined to defy the diktats of terrorists, the promoters of terrorism, and become a part of India's mainstream healthy democracy," Singh said.South Kashmir will hold by-elections in two parliamentary constituencies - Srinagar and Anantnag - next month.Three civilians were killed in action by security forces against protesters near an encounter site in Budgam district in Kashmir today.The anti-militancy operation ended with the killing of the lone militant.Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir said the Indian soldiers give a befitting reply whenever such attacks take place. "The terrorists from outside have always been trying to create disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir and every time our soldiers give them a befitting reply," he said.Three civilians - all young men in their twenties - were killed while 18 others were injured in security forces' action against a large number of protesters who pelted stones at the security personnel allegedly in a vain bid to help the holed up militant escape.Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Durbugh area of Chadoora in the early hours following information about the presence of militants in the area.The search operation turned into a gun battle after the militant opened fire on security forces.

Source: Economic Times March 28, 2017 16:41 UTC