Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Mar 09 (KNO): An encounter that broke out between government forces and militants in Khawjapora Reban village of Shopian district on Monday morning has ended with the killing of two militants.
According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), an official said that Hizb – ul- Mujahideen commander Ishfaq Ahmad, son of Muhammad Yousuf resident of Hangalbuch village of Yaripora belt in Kulgam district is among the slain while as other is probably a foreigner. He added that Ishfaq was active with Hizb since May 2016.
Earlier, an official told KNO, that on specific inputs about the presence of militants, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched by a joint team of forces including Ist RR and Shopian police in the area.
As forces zeroed towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon forces, which was retaliated triggering an encounter, he said.
In exchange of fire, two militants who were trapped in the house of Abdul Samad were killed, he said.
As forces were leaving the area after encounter ended, youth pelted stones on them, which was retaliated by disbursing tear smoke and sound shells.
Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, internet services have been suspended in Kulgam and Shopian districts of southern Kashmir—(KNO)
