Srinagar: A militant was killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in apple township of Sopore in north Kashmir, where authorities suspended internet service and closed educational institutions as a precautionary measure today. Meanwhile, clashes erupted near the encounter site after locals pelted stones and tried to disrupt the operation. Official sources said that security forces and Special Operation Group(SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint search operation at Reban, Sopore, in Baramulla district following a tip off about the presence of militants in the early morning hours today.
However, when the security forces were sealing the area, militants hiding there opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons, sources told UNI adding security forces also retaliated ensuing a fierce encounter. The militants were asked to surrender who continued firing, they said adding additional security forces were rushed to extend the Cordon and Search Operation (C&SO) foil any militant attempt to escape. One militant was reportedly killed, source said and added the operation was still going on when the reports last came in.
However, outside the C&SO) area, people, mostly youths, hit the streets and trying to disrupt the operation. The demonstrators pelted stones on security forces, they said. Meanwhile, authorities snapped internet service in Sopore to prevent spread of rumours. The Government Degree College (GDC) and Higher Secondary Schools (HSSs) were also closed. Majority other educational institutions also remained closed. (UNI)