Three militants killed, 6 Security men injured

Srinagar: With the killing of one more militant, the death toll in the south Kashmir encounter has risen to three and six security personnel were also injured during the past 24 hours, official sources said. The operation is still going on when the reports last came in, sources told UNI. Four people were injured when security forces opened fire and burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators who were trying to disrupt the operation against militants today.

They said security forces and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation at village Bahmnoo in Pulwama district following a tip-off about the presence of militants early yesterday morning. When the security forces were moving towards particular area in the village, militants opened fire, they said, adding that fire was retaliated ensuing an encounter. The militants tried to escape from the cordoned off area, they said, adding that a local militant was killed before two other militants managed to enter a nearby house.

Another local militant who was holed up in the house was also killed in the encounter, they said, adding that one more militant was still firing on security forces. The operation was going on when the reports last came in. Firing and loud explosions could be heard in the area during the night, local residents said. They said about four houses were blasted by the security forces as militants were often changing their positions. Third militant was also killed early this morning, sources said, adding that the operation was still going on when the reports last came in. Two local slain militants have been identified as Kifayat and Jehangir of Hizbul Mujahideen(HM), sources said, adding that the third militant was believed to be a foreigner. Six security force personnel, including an officer, were also injured in the encounter. The operation was still going on when the reports last came in. (UNI)