Hizbul Mujahideen outfit suffered a major jolt in Kashmir Valley on Friday as security forces shot dead two militants during a gunfight at Bomai Village in north Kashmir’s Sopore pocket, officials said. Dozens of youngster clashed with police and paramilitaries after the encounter, bringing normal life to a grinding halt in the area.
Officials said the security forces cordoned off Bomai village of Sopore in wee hours of Friday following specific information that militants were hiding in the area. While the cordon was being laid, an exchange of fire took place between the hiding militants and the security forces. The firing continued for several hours.
Sources said two bodies were recovered from the encounter site. The slain militants were identified as Altaf Ahmad Mir and Imtiyaz Ahmad lone who had joined the militant ranks recently.
Reports said that the mostly youth took to streets and staged protest demonstrations. They were demanding bodies of the slain militants for burial.
This is a major jolt to Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in the Sopore belt that has remained hotbed of militancy for several years. Cadre of Hizb and lashkar-e-tayyeba have remained active in the restive north Kashmir pocket.