Srinagar, Sep 08: A militant was killed and a cop wounded in a brief shootout in Achabal area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday, police said.
A police spokesman said that militants attacked a police picket at Achabal in district Anantnag late last night. “However, the attack was successfully repulsed by the alert cops on duty at the picket,” he said.
In the retaliatory action, one militant was killed, he said.
“The weapon of the militant was also recovered from the site of the attack,” said the spokesman.
“The killed militant has been identified as Bilal Ahmad, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat from Tatraypora Yaripora of district Kulgam.”
Bilal had joined the LeT militant outfit three months ago, said the spokesman. “His involvement was also established in a weapon snatching case earlier. He was involved in carrying out attacks on the security forces and civilian atrocities in the area.”
A policeman injured in the attack was evacuated to the nearby hospital for medical attention. “He is stated to be stable now,” said the spokesman, adding that two cars were also seized by the police which were “apparently” used by the militants.
“Police has registered a case in this regard and investigation is in progress,” spokesman said.
Following the killing of the militant, internet was snapped in south Kashmir districts of Anantnag and Kulgam. An official said the service was suspended as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, at least three rounds of funeral prayers were held for slain militant in his native village in Kulgam.
Reports said three back-to-back funerals were held to accommodate thousands of people who had marched to Tantraypora village to take part in his last rites.
Witnesses said that several militants surfaced during the funeral and offered a gun salute to the slain colleague.
