Srinagar: Two militants, believed to be foreigners, were killed and nine security personnel and a civilian were injured in a fierce encounter in the north Kashmir district of Bandipora this morning, official sources said. However, defence ministry spokesman was not available for confirmation. The injured soldiers were airlifted to the Army base hospital where the condition of some was stated to be critical.
Sources said on a tip-off, the Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint search operation at Parray Mohalla Hajan in Bandipora district late at 0300 hrs. However, when the security forces were sealing a particular area in the village, militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons and hurled hand grenades. The fire was returned ensuing an encounter. In the initial militant firing, nine soldiers were injured. Due to darkness, the search operation was stopped to avoid any civilian casualty, the sources said.
However, all exit points were sealed to foil any attempt by militants to escape, they said, adding that with the first light this morning, the operation was resumed. Militants again opened indiscriminate fire when security forces tried to enter the area, they said. In the return fire, two militants were killed and several security personnel were wounded. A civilian was also injured in the shootout.
The operation was on when the reports last came in. The encounter took place after four militants, a civilian and two soldiers were killed and three jawans injured in south Kashmir district of Kulgam on February 12. One civilian was also killed and over a dozen others injured when security forces opened fire and burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators in Kulgam and Anantnag after the encounter. The Army had paid tributes to Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Sinh Munimsinh and Sepoy Raghubeer Singhat Badami Bagh Cantonment yesterday before their mortal remains were sent to their native places for last rites. (UNI)