Toll reaches three as another militant killed in Shopian

SHOPIAN — One more militant has been killed in a gunfight with government forces in orchards within Panzer and Daramdoora area of Shopian on Sunday, taking the toll of killed militants to three.

Earlier, after receiving specific inputs about the presence of militants, joint team of forces including Army’s 44 RR and SOG launched search operation in the area, a police official said.

On intensifying search towards the suspected spot, hiding militants fired upon forces which was retaliated and triggered the encounter, he said.

During the exchange of fire, two militants were killed. Later, one more militant was killed, he said, adding that the dead bodies have been recovered and identification is being ascertained.

Sources said that the slain militants belong to Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind, an off-shoot of Al Qaeda.

They said that one among the three slain militants had recently joined Ansar after he was active with Hizb for three years and other two are newly recruited militants of Ansar from Shopian.

In wake of the gunfight, internet services have been snapped in Shopian district.