Three militants killed as gunfight rages in Anantnag

SRINAGAR — A fierce gunfight is underway in Kokernag village of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, official sources said.

They said joint forces brought Sheikhpora Vailoo area under siege after inputs about the presence of militants in a house. The operation was launched amid rainfall and door-to-door searches were conducted.

As the search party approached towards a house, owned by one Javaid Ahmed Khan, militants present there resorted to indiscriminate firing. The joint forces retaliated the fire, ensuing into an encounter.

Meanwhile, police sources said that at least three militants are trapped in the house. “As per the inputs, we have reports of three militants including two from south Kashmir and a militant from Srinagar being trapped inside the house,” they said.

“One militant has been killed as his body is visible in the ongoing gunfight. However, identity of the slain militant is yet to be ascertained,” a police officer said.

“Two more militants have been killed in the ongoing operation. However, identity of the slain militants is yet to be ascertained,” the police officer said soon after confirming the killing of the first militant.