Shopian, Apr 19: Two local Hizb militants were killed in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Monday, police said.
“On a specific input regarding presence of (militants) in Zeipora area of Shopian, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 34RR and 178 Bn CRPF in the area,” a police spokesman said in a statement.
“During the search operation as the presence of (Militants) got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated, leading to an encounter.”
In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter, he said.
They have been identified as Sabzar Ahmad Ganie of Sehpora Kulgam and Amir Ahmad Bhat of Malibugh, Imamsahib Shopian.
“As per police records, they were part of groups involved in many cases and linked with (Hizb-ul-Mujahideen).”
He said arms, ammunition and “other incriminating materials” were recovered from the site of encounter.
The last rites of the killed militants shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and their nearest family members shall be allowed to participate in the last rites, the spokesman added. (GNS)
