Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants killed in Anantnag encounter

Srinagar: Two local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) were killed by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Thursday, official sources said.

Restrictions have been imposed in some areas in Anantnag, where internet service has also been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours.

They said that on a tip-off about the presence of militants, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation at Bagender Mohalla, Bijbehara in the wee hours.

All exit points were sealed, they said, adding that with the first light this morning, security forces launched house-to-house search during which militants opened fire with automatic weapons.

Security forces also retaliated, ensuing in an encounter in which two militants were killed.

A police spokesman said bodies of both the militants and arms and ammunition were recovered. He said the slain militants were identified as 25-year-old Safdar Amin Bhat, son of Mohammad Amin, resident of Zirpora, Bijbehara who has joined HM outfit May 12, 2017.

Another militant has been identified as Burhan Ahmad Ganie alias Saifullah, resident of Malipora hablish Kulgam, at present S K Colony Anantnag. Ganie was a student of Bachelors of Physiotherapy, police spokesman said, adding that he was active since June 24, 2018.

He said arms and ammunition, including two Ak and one Self Loading Rifle (SLR) were recovered from the slain militants. (UNI)