Three militants killed as gunfight ends in Budgam

Srinagar: Three militants were killed in a gunfight with the government forces at Hapatnar in Charar-e-Shareef area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday.

Quoting a senior police officer, news agency GNS reported that a joint team of Army’s 53 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in forest area of Hapatnar today early in the morning following “credible inputs” about the presence of some militants.

As the joint team of forces intensified the combing operation, the militants hiding in the area opened fire triggering off a gunfight which continued intermittently till late in the evening. During the course of gunfight, three militants were killed, he said.

The operation prolonged due to the tough terrain and inclement weather, the officer said.

“So far one body has been recovered along with arms and ammunition and the other two bodies which are lying inside the hideout are yet to be retrieved,” the officer said.

The identity of the slain is being ascertained, the officer said. The officer said that the government forces have also blasted the hideout of the militants in the mountainous area which was covered under snow.