Kulgam gunfight ends with five militants’ killing

SRINAGAR — Five militants were killed in a gunfight at Kilam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday.

Official sources said that three militants were killed during the initial gunfight and the fresh exchange of firing resumed soon after JCBs were pressed into service to clear the debris of the house in order to retrieve bodies of slain militants lying near the spot.

The remaining militants believed to be two in number took shelter in a nearby house and opened fire which was retaliated by the forces, they said, adding that both the hiding militants were also killed.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Harmeet Singh Mehta also confirmed that the five militants have been killed and their bodies along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the site.

“The identity of the slain is being ascertained,” SSP said.

Another police official said that all the slain are said to be locals and believed to be affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen outfit.

Earlier, the officer said that the encounter broke out after the joint team of Army’s 9 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. (GNS)