3 militants neutralized in Shopian operation continues

Srinagar:Three unidentified militants were killed by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Shopian on Thursday afternoon, a police spokesman said.

According to Sources the top commander of Ansar Gajwa-Tul-Hind has also been neutralized in this encounter. Ansar Gajwa Tul Hind is an offset of Jaish-e-Mohammed. This operation is being carried out by a joint team of security forces.The official confirmation of the death of the top commander is awaited.

He said troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF on a tip-off about the presence of militants launched a CASO at Jan Mohalla in Shopian town.

However, encounter ensued after militants hiding there opened fire when security forces were moving towards a particular area.He said three unidentified militants were killed and operation was going on when the reports last came in.

Meanwhile, additional security forces have been deployed in the entire main town in Shopian where business and other activities came to halt immediately after the CASO was launched.

Security forces launch CASO in Shopian

Security forces also launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) a day before yesterday in a village 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, Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and CRPF at village Chitragam in Shopian.

They said security forces were conducting door-to-door searches in the area. 'All the exit points were sealed while searches were also being conducted in nearby fields and orchards,' they said.They said additional security forces have been deployed in nearby areas to maintain law and order. 'So far no contact was established with the militants,' they added.(UNI)