Three local militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit were killed in an encounter with government forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district.A police official said that acting on a specific information about the presence of militants in Jamia Mohalla in Amargarh locality of Sopore, police’s special operation group along with army’s 52 Rashtriya Rifles and 92, 177, 179 Battalions of CRPF cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. ”The hiding militants opened fire on the joint search party, triggering an encounter. During encounter, three militants of LeT were eliminated. Their identity is being ascertained,” he said.The official said that three AK 74 rifles and magazines recovered from the encounter site. The slain militants have been identified as Javed Ahmed Dar of Khanpora Baramulla, Abid Hamid Mir of Hajin Bandipora and Danish Manzoor of Sopore Town. The killing of three militants triggered massive protests in Bandipora and Baramulla district.
Soon after the encounter, authorities snapped internet services in entire north Kashmir and also suspended voice call services on all networks except BSNL. The authorities also clamped restrictions in Old Town area of Baramulla district. Soon after the bodies of the slain reached their respective native areas, thousands of people came out of their houses and joined their funeral prayers amid massive anti-India, pro-freedom and pro-Islam sloganeering. The slain were laid to rest amid sobs and tears.At least three persons were injured when army reportedly opened fire on protesters at Sadarkoot Bala in Bandipora district who were protesting against the militant killings. The injured have been identified as Hilal Ahmed Wani, Latief Ahmed Khan and Suhail Ahmed Bhat from Sadrekoot Bala. All the injured persons are stated to be stable in hospital. Meanwhile, clashes erupted at Islamia College in Srinagar’s Hawal area after students claimed that one of the slain militants’ killed in Sopore was their colleague. (GNS)