2 militants killed, another surrenders in south Kashmir

Srinagar: Two militants were killed and another surrendered in south Kashmir district of Shopian, where an encounter ensued after a patrol party was attacked. Director General of Police (DGP) Dr S P Vaid said Army, Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation at village Barbugh at Imam Sahib, Shopian, last night after a patrol party came under fire from militants.

The entire area was sealed and search operation launched, he said adding when the security forces were moving towards particular area in the village, they came under heavy fire from militants hiding there. Dr Vaid said security forces also retaliated and in the encounter a militant was killed. Additional security forces were rushed and cordoned around the area was further tightened to foil any attempt by militants to escape.

The police chief said there were reports that three militants were holed up in the area when the operation was launched. After the killing of a militant last night, other militants were asked to surrender, he said adding another militant was also reportedly killed. "We have recovered body of a militant and operation was still going on when the reports last came in." Dr Vaid said one of the holed up militant identified as Adil later surrendered before the security forces. Adil had joined militancy only recently, he said. A girl was also injured after she was hit by a bullet in the foot. She has been admitted to hospital. (UNI)