Srinagar:Three militants were killed by security forces in an encounter which ensued on Thursday evening during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said on Friday.
The operation was still going on when the reports last came in, they said adding mobile internet service also remained suspended since last night.
They said troops of Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Chews Ular, about 7 km from main Tral town in Awantipora in Pulwama district at 1800 hrs last evening following a tip-off about the presence of militants.
They said when the security forces were moving towards a particular area, militants hiding there opened fire ensuing in an encounter. After about ten minute exchange of fire, there was silence, they said adding all residents in the nearby houses were taken to a safer place.
They said more security forces were rushed to the area to completely seal all exit points to prevent militants to escape under the cover of darkness.
Sources said there was an exchange of intermittent firing during the night in which a militant was killed in the wee hours.
With the first light this morning an all-out offensive was launched leading to fresh exchange of fire in which another militant was killed. There is still one more militant trapped inside the house which was also blasted by security forces, they said adding the operation was going on.
Meanwhile, additional security forces and police remained deployed in the adjoining areas to prevent any law and order problem, they said.
Mobile internet of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been suspended in Tral to prevent rumours.
1 CRPF jawan, minor boy killed in militant attack in Anantnag
A CRPF jawan and a minor boy were killed in a militant attack on security forces in south Kashmir district of Anantnag on Friday.
Official sources said that militants attacked a CRPF patrolling party at Bijbehara in Anantnag. "A CRPF jawan and a minor boy were injured in the attack," they said, adding that the wounded were rushed to a hospital where they succumbed.
The militants managed to escape from the spot, adding that additional security forces have been rushed to the area and a search operation has been launched to nab the attackers.
They said security forces have established checkpoints within 5 km radius of the attack site and all vehicles are being thoroughly checked before allowing them to move forward.(UNI)