Two militants killed in Kulgam gunfight
Protests erupt, internet snapped; rumours about Zeenat-ul-Islam spread wild
Srinagar: Two militants were killed in an encounter with the government forces in Katapora village of Yaripora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday.
Sources said that a joint team of army’s 34 RR, SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of militants.
The joint team was fired upon as it approached the suspected spot, sources said, adding, the fire was retaliated triggering an encounter.
Sources confirmed that two militants were killed in the encounter. However, there was too much confusion about the identity of the slain militants.
Some sources asserted that one of the killed militants was top Al-Badr commander Zeenat-ul-Islam, there was no official or otherwise confirmation.
Islam, it may be recalled was earlier one of the top commanders of Hizb ul Mujahideen and later joined Al-Badr.
Meanwhile, reports suggested that exchange of fire restarted late in the evening and gun shots were being heard when this report was being filed.
Earlier, intense clashes erupted near the site of the gunfight.
Reports said that youth took to streets and pelted the forces with stones near the site of the encounter. They said the forces responded by firing tear gas shells.
Authorities, meanwhile, have suspended the Internet service in twin districts of Anantnag and Kulgam.
Search operations launched in Sopore
Sopore: A cordon and search operation was launched by the government forces on Saturday evening in Tarzoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Sources said that a joint team of Army’s 52 RR unit, SOG of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched the operation following inputs about the presence of militants in the area.
Though the police sources confirmed the operation, no further details were available when this report was being filed.
