Authorities imposed restrictions amid complete shutdown in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district after the killing of two local militants in an ambush at Gopoapora village, five kilometers away from the district headquarters.The two militants were killed after police and army laid a joint ambush in Gopalpora village of Damhal-Hanjipora area of the district in the middle of the night.Police identified the two slain militants as Aqib Ahmed Itoo son of Abdul Hamid, a resident of Gopalpora and Suhail Ahmed Rather son of Muhammad Arif of Tatntraypora Yaripora.Aqib had joined militancy in September 2106 while Suhail had fled from his home some 4 months ago.Thousands of people participated in the last rites of these militants while mourners raised high pitched pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.The killing of the militants sparked spontaneous shutdown while authorities as a precautionary measure suspended internet service across South Kashmir. Restrictions were imposed in parts of Kulgam while all shops and business establishments remained closed.Reports said that a complete shutdown was observed across South Kashmir against the killing of militants. Shutdown was observed Pulwama, Tral, Pampore, Tahab, Shopian, Anantnag, Awantipora and other parts of the South Kashmir.Witnesses told news agency CNS that a group of armed militants appeared in the funeral of Suhail Ahmed and fired few gun shots as a mark of respect for the departed militants.
Meanwhile, police issued a handout stating that two HM militants were killed in an encounter with police and security forces in Gopalpora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam District, last night.“Acting on a specific information, a search operation was launched by a joint team of Kulgam Police, 09 RR, 62 RR and 18 Bn CRPF in village Gopalpora in the jurisdiction of Police Station D.H Pora, Kulgam. During the search operation militants present in the area fired upon the search party, ensuing an encounter. Two militants were killed in this encounter. The slain militants were identified as Aaqib Ahmad Itoo son of Abdul Hamid Itoo resident of Gopalpora and Suhail Ahmad Rather son of Mohammad Arif Rather resident of Tantraypora Yaripora.” “One INSAS rifle, 01 AK rifle and 02 magazines were recovered from the encounter site.”“Both the militants were involved in unlawful and anti national activities”.Police handout added that Aaqib was involved in the attack on cash van of J&K Bank at Pombai in which five policemen were martyred and two civilians lost their lives. He was also involved in attack on a policeman at Yaripora in which the said policeman achieved martyrdom.“Aaqib was involved in many cases including bank robbery at J&K Bank branch Kader and weapon snatching from Adijan minority guard.”“Suhail was involved in instigating people and firing indiscriminately upon security personnel from mob.A number of FIR’s were already lodged against these militants in different Police Stations.” (CNS)