Pulwama: Security forces on Monday killed the nephew of Pakistan-based terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar, and two other terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, acknowledged a spokesman of the terror outfit. 

Army chief Bipin Rawat said Jaish's acknowledgment is proof of terror emanating from Pakistan. "This makes it clear that terrorists are getting support from across the border," said Rawat. He added that it's of little concern to him that the nephew of the Pathankot attack mastermind was killed. 

"Doesn't matter if he is Masood Azhar's nephew or anyone else, we aim at neutralizing all terrorists no matter where they belong," said Rawat. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Kandi belt following information about the presence of some militants. A civilian also suffered injuries in the crossfire, they said. 

Identified as Tariq Ahmad, the civilian sustained a bullet injury during simultaneous clashes between protesting civilians and the security forces near the encounter site. The protesters were trying to disrupt the operation against the holed up militants. 

Police said that the injured civilian was shifted to hospital and reinforcements have been rushed to the area to augment the strength of the security forces engaged in the gunfight. Meanwhile, internet in Pulwama district was suspended to check the spread of rumors in the area.