Three militants killed by security forces in Shopian encounter

Srinagar: Three militants were killed by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Shopian, a police spokesman said.

With these killings, security forces gunned down eight militants in the Shopian during the past two days.

He said on a tip off about the presence of militants, troops of Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint CASO at village Hadipora, Shopian late Saturday night.

All roads leading to the village were closed and exit points sealed, he said adding when the troops were moving towards a particular area, militants hiding there opened fire ensuing in an encounter.

He said initially a militant was killed in the exchange of fire. Later, repeated appeals were made through the public address system to militants to surrender.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar said security forces and police made sincere efforts to persuade newly recruited militants to surrender.

He said parents of the local militants also made appeals to their sons to surrender who were prevented by other ultras to do so.

The operation was stopped due to darkness, spokesman said adding with the first light this morning the encounter resumed after militants refused to surrender.

Two more militants were killed this morning, taking the toll to three, he said adding searches in the area are going on when the reports last came in.

Meanwhile, additional security forces and police have been deployed in the area to prevent any law and order problem.

Mobile internet of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) remained suspended since the operation was launched. (UNI)