Islamabad, October 22: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday called for resolution of the Kashmir issues, condemning the "killings of innocent Kashmiris" near Kulgam encounter site. Calling the deaths "new cycle of killings by Indian security forces", Imran Khan said India should resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.

“Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris by Indian security forces. It is time India realised it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people," Khan tweeted. At least seven civilians were killed in an explosion in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam on Sunday shortly after an encounter. Srinagar: Separatist Called Shutdown Against Six Civilian Deaths in Explosion in Kulgam District.

Three militants were gunned down by security forces in the encounter. The explosive belonged to slain Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists. The police said despite repeated warnings that civilians should not visit the encounter site unless these are declared safe, dozens of locals rushed there. Reports from the village said locals were busy dousing the flames at the house that was damaged during the encounter.

A sense of mourning prevailed in Laroo village, and other places of the district as people were rushing to the village to inquire about the well-being of their relatives and friends. Authorities suspended cellphone and internet services and ordered a curfew in Kulgam in a bid to thwart more protests.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti while expressing grief over the incident said: "Civilians are once again caught in the cross-fire of violence, adding fuel to the already volatile situation."

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said alienating the people in the fight against militancy is a "recipe for losing the fight". "How long can we go on ignoring the ground realities and living in denial about how bad things are in Kashmir?"

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2018 02:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).