Militant killed in Bandipora encounter, clashes erupt

Srinagar:One of the militants, trapped in a house in Bandipora in north Kashmir, was killed in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Hajin area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday, official sources said.Security forces burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the demonstrators,who were trying to disrupt the CASO against militants.

Acting on a specific information about the presence of militants, troops of 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and 45 Batallion CRPF launched a joint search operation in Parra Mohalla, Hajin, in Bandipora early this morning at 0500 hrs. 

However, when the area was being sealed, the militants hiding there opened fire. Security forces also retaliated, ensuing an encounter, they said, adding that one of the trapped militant was killed. Intelligence reports said that there are two to three militants trapped in the area.

Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid, in a tweet said, ''Encounter started at Hajin , SF on job , details will follow.''

Additional security forces have been rushed to further tighten the cordon to foil any attempt by militants to escape, they said.However, people, mostly youths, took to the streets in the areas near the encounter site to disrupt the CASO.

Security forces burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the demonstrators who were pelting stones.(UNI)