Two militants killed during gunfight in Pulwama

SRINAGAR — Two militants have been killed in a gunfight that erupted between government forces and militants in Pinglena village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

As per reports, the bodies of two militants have been recovered. However, their identity and group affiliation is being ascertained.

However, one among the two deceased militants is believed to be a local namely Hilal Ahmad, NDTV reported. Belonging to the same village (Pinglena), Hilal joined the militant ranks last year.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police – South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar said that two militants have been killed in the operation, news agency GNS reported.

He said that the bodies of the slain militants have been recovered along with as many weapons and other war-like stores.

DIG further said that the searches in the area are still underway to find out if there is any more militant body.

Earlier, four soldiers including an officer of Major rank and three other soldiers were killed in the encounter. A civilian Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat (46) has also been killed during the exchange of gunfight.

A police officer said that the gunfight broke out today morning after a joint team of Army’s 55 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation following “credible inputs” about the presence of two to three militants in the area.