Two JeM militants killed in Pulwama encounter

Srinagar: Two local militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama in the wee hours on Friday, a police spokesman said. 

The mobile internet in Pulwama and Shopian districts in south Kashmir has been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours. However, the train service on Srinagar-Banihal track, also passing through south Kashmir, was running normally.

Acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants in Baba Mohalla Drabgam in Pulwama, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation late Thursday night.

Security forces came under heavy fire from militants hiding in a house in the area, they said, adding that the fire was returned, ensuing in an encounter.Two militants were killed in the encounter, he said, adding that security forces did not suffer any damage.

Locals said that they heard loud explosions and heavy firing in the area during the night. A house in which the militants were firing was blasted by the security forces.Additional security forces have been deployed in the areas adjacent to village to prevent any demonstration.

The slain militants of JeM have been identified as Inayat Ahmad, a resident of Arihal and Shahid Ahmad Baba, resident of Drabgam. A Self Loading Rifle (SLR) and a pistol besides other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.(UNI)