KNZ NEWS DESK
Srinagar Sep 15 : Five militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizb ul Mujahideen were killed in a gunfight with the government forces in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, army said.
Army’s Srinagar based defense spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia in a statement said that the operation ended with the killing of five militants at Chowgam.
He said that bodies of the slain along with weapons and other warlike stores were recovered.
A police spokesman identified the slain militants as Gulzar Ahmad Padder alias Saif resident of Adijan Kulgam, Faisal Ahmad Rather alias Dawood resident of Yamrach Kulgam, Zahid Ahmad Mir alias Hashim resident of Okey Kulgam, Masroor Molvi alias Abu Darda resident of Fatehpora Anantnag and Zahoor Ahmad Lone alias Rehman Bhai resident of Nagnad Noorabad Damhal Hanjipora.
The gunfight broke out late last night after a joint team of army and SOG launched a cordon-and-search operation at Chowgam village.
In wake of the encounter, authorities suspended Internet services in parts of Kulgam and Anantnag. Railway authorities have suspended train services in the valley.
Following the gunfight, clashes erupted at Chowgam area and its adjoining parts.
At least five youths were injured during clashes with the forces.
Spontaneous shutdown is being observed in twin districts of Kulgam and Anantnag.
A police official said that five militants were trapped by the forces in Chowgam area of Kulgam district late last night. “3 reported to have been neutralised. Train services between Baramulla -Qazigund suspended. Police and Security Forces on job,” police said on Twitter.(GK)
