Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants killed in Kulgam gunfight

Srinagar: Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an encounter with the forces Monday morning in Kulgam district in southern part of Kashmir, news agency ANI reported.

Following inputs about the presence of militants in Khudwani area of Kulgam district, forces launched a cordon and search operation, a police official said.

During the operation, the militants opened fire at the security forces who retaliated, leading to a gunfight.

Two militants were killed in the encounter and their identity was ascertained. Local sources said that the slain militants include Dawood Ahmad Illahi of Hawora Kulgam and Sayar Ahmad Wani of Wanpora Kulgam.

Police sources said that two weapons have been recovered from the slain militants. They said that an OGW of militants identified as Arif Sofi was also arrested during the gunfight. A pistol has been recovered from his possession, they said.