6 militants killed in encounter with security forces in Anantnag

Srinagar: Six militants were killed in an encounter which ensued when security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Anantnag in the wee hours on Friday.Internet services have been suspended in Anantnag for security reasons to prevent protests.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia told UNI that following specific information about presence of militants, a joint CASO was launched by Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police, Army and CRPF at Shalagul, Bijbhera in Anantnag in the wee hours.

However, he said when security forces were moving towards a particular area, the militants hiding there fired at them with automatic weapons. ''The security forces retaliated, ensuing in an encounter,'' he said.

Col Kalia said six militants were killed in the exchange of fire, adding that warlike stores were recovered from the encounter site.''The operation was still going on when the reports last came in,'' he added.(UNI)