Two militants reportedly killed in south Kashmir

Srinagar: Two militants were reportedly killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, where a similar operation at another place was called off in the wee hours, official sources said.

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 this morning. However, when the security forces were moving towards particular area in the village, militants opened fire, they said adding fire was retaliated ensuing an encounter.

Two militants were reportedly killed in the encounter as security forces are yet to recover the bodies, sources said adding the operation was going on when the reports last came in. Security forces had launched similar joint operation at Malangpora, Awantipora in Pulwama late last night. As the security forces were sealing the village, some people took to streets, raising slogans and pelting stones to disrupt the operation.

However, additional security forces and state police personnel were already deployed in the area to prevent the demonstrators to enter the cordoned off village. The operation was called off at 0200 hrs, they said. (UNI)