Srinagar:Two militants were killed on Wednesday in an encounter which ensued after security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.
Meanwhile, another encounter has broken out between militants and security forces in the district, where a top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo is believed to be neutralized
Fearing denaturation of law and order situation, mobile internet services of all cellular companies, including BSNL, were on Wednesday suspended for security reasons in Kashmir valley, where curfew has been imposed in many areas, including downtown Srinagar.
An Army official 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 at Sharsali village in Awantipora in Pulwama last night.
He said when security forces were sealing a particular area, militants hiding there, fired at them with automatic weapons. "Two militants were killed in the exchange of fire," he said, adding the operation was still going on.
Official sources said a second CASO was launched at Beighpors in Awantipur following credible inputs about presence of militants last night. "Contact was established with militants on Wednesday morning," they said, adding a top militant commander is trapped.
They said the encounter was still going on when the reports last came in.Curfew has been imposed in many areas in the valley, including downtown, Srinagar. Locals told UNI that security forces were making announcement through loudspeakers, directing people to remain indoors in view of curfew imposed in downtown.
However, a police official said that only restrictions on movement and assembly of people continued in accordance with the lockdown order to curtail spread of COVID-19.
He said that operation at Beigpora Awantipur is going on. "Any Speculative reporting unconfirmed stuff having law and order bearings is highly irresponsible on the part of some channels. They are advised to hold their guns please," he added.(UNI)