Militant killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian

Srinagar: One militant was on Wednesday killed in an encounter which ensued after security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Shopian.

Official sources said that following specific information about presence of militants, a joint CASO was launched by Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, Army and CRPF Shirmal area in Shopian on Wednesday evening.

However, they said when security forces were cordoning off a particular area, militants hiding there, fired at them with automatic weapons. 'The security forces retaliated ensuing in an encounter,' they said.

They said one unidentified militant was killed in the initial exchange of fire, adding the operation was still going on when the reports last came in.

They said reinforcement was rushed and the area has been sealed to foil any attempts by militants to escape. Additional security forces have also been deployed in adjoining areas to maintain law and order.(UNI)