Four militants killed in twin south Kashmir gunfights

SHOPIAN — Four militants were killed in two separate encounters in south Kashmir on Saturday. While one of the gun battles took place in Shopian, the other one broke out in Pulwama district.

Two militants were killed in a gunfight with joint forces in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday, police said.

With the killing of these four militants, the casualties of militants this month has reached to 18.

Police said that combined forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Chowgam area of Shopian, after inputs were received about the presence of militants there.

Police said the search operation turned into an encounter when the militants opened fire on the security personnel, who retaliated.

Two militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight while arms and ammunitions were recovered from the encounter spot. Police said that both the slain militants were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and identified them as Sajad Ahmad Chak, resident of Braripora, Shopian and Raja Basit Yaqoob of Achan Litter in Pulwama.

Police said that Sajad Ahmed Chak was instrumental in motivating and recruiting the youth in the militant group.

The police added that incriminating materials, and arms and ammunition including two AK series rifles, four AK magazines and 32 rounds were seized from the two slain militants.

The second gunfight broke out in Hardumir, in Tral area of Pulwama district. Police said that two unidentified militants were killed in the said encounter.

Police identified the slain militants as Nadeem Bhat and Rasool alias Adil, an IED expert, affiliated with proscribed militant outfit AuGH. Police said that two AK rifles were recovered from the spot of encounter.