Srinagar, Feb 13: Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an encounter with government forces in central Kashmir’s Budgam district Wednesday, police said.
Based on a credible input about the presence of militants in Gopalpora area of Chadoora in Budgam district, a cordon and search operation was launched during the preceding night, a police spokesman said.
He said when the search operation was underway, the militants fired on the government forces, which was retaliated. In the ensuing gunfight two militants were killed, he added.
The spokesperson said the slain militants have been identified as Hilal Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Akram Wani of Yaripora Kulgam, and Shoaib Mohammad Lone alias Mursi, son of Late Arshad Hussain of Bumrath Kulgam.
“Incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, was recovered from the site of encounter,” he said, adding that police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
As per police records, the official said, both militants were affiliated to proscribed outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.
“They were wanted by the law for their complicity in a series of militancy cases, including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. Wani had a long history of militancy records and was involved in several cases,” he said.
“He was the main person responsible for recruitment and was the longest surviving militant who was operating across the southern and central belts of the valley ever since he had joined militant ranks in 2015. He was responsible for conspiring and executing many attacks on the security establishments in the valley,” the spokesman added.
He said Lone was also “involved in several attacks and other civilian atrocities and several cases were registered against him”.
“Lone was also part of groups involved in conspiring and executing attacks in the valley,” the official added.
Bodies of the slain militants were handed over to their family after completion of medico-legal formalities.
