The security forces shot dead two militants in separate encounters in Kashmir Valley on Tuesday even as gun-battle was raging in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district where more militants are believed to be hiding.
A senior police official in Kupwara said that one militant in Zunrishi forests of Chowkibal area in North Kashmir. The encounter began early in the morning and continued till last reports came in from the area. One militant, believed to be lashkar-e-Tayyeba cadre was killed in the gun-battle while the security forces suspect that two more militants were hiding in the area.
“Search operation is ongoing on to trace the other militants believed to be hiding in the forest area,” the police official said.
In south Kashmir’s hill district of Shopian, another militant of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen outfit was killed n a brief gunfight at Pehlipora village, around 60 kilometres from here. The security forces had cordoned off the area on Monday evening following input on the presence of militants in the area.
The cordon and search operation continued in the area on Tuesday but there was no further exchange of fire.
Defence spokesman in Srinagar Col NN Joshi said that one AK 56 Rifle, ammunition and other war like stores were recovered from the slain militant. Sources said that soon after the body of militant was handed over to his family, hundreds of people gathered in the area and shouted pro-freedom slogans.