Four houses blasted, one militant killed in Shopian

Shopian: Fresh exchange of fire began between holed up militants and government forces in Awneera village of Shopian in south Kashmir on Sunday morning with police saying that a body, believed to be a militant, was lying in the orchards.

Reports said that government forces have blasted four houses so far during the operation that began late last night in Awneera Zainapora area.

Two army men were killed and four injured in the initial phase of firing last night.

“There was information about militants in Shopian. While cordon was being laid, security personnel came under fire,” J&K DGP SP Vaid said.

Reports said that a heavy exchange of fire began after militants managed to come out of the blasted houses.

A top police official said that two to three militants are still holed up inside.

“A body is lying there. Two to three militants are holed up there. Firing is going on,” said SSP Shopian.

Reports said that Operational Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Yasin Itoo, alias Mehmood Ghaznavi is believed to be among them.