Two militants were killed in Zagoo Arizal area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Thursday morning.The gun fight raged in forest area of Zagoo when government forces cordoned off it and launched a search operation in private huts. The militants present in the huts opened fire. During the exchange of fire, two militants were killed.The encounter sparked clashes and spontaneous shutdown in the surrounding areas. Reports said that Forces lobbed tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesting youth. Locals said that Forces used live ammunition during the clashes, a charge refuted by police.A police official identified the two slain militants as Amin Rasool Mir of Pampore and Mukhtiyar Ahmed Khan of Brass Arizal Khansahab.They were both involved in many attacks on security establishments in the area. Mukhtar was involved in case FIR number 37/2018 under section 307 RPC, 7/27 Arms Act, 16/18 ULAP Act dated 25.03.2018. Besides, they were also involved in many other civilian atrocities,” said the spokesman.He said an army soldier was also injured in the gunfight. He was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention where his condition is stated to be stable. “Police has registered a case and investigation has started,” he said.Massive clashes erupted between youths and forces in Namblabal area of Pampore township in south Kashmir's Pulwama district after news about the killing of local militant spread in the area. A large number of people hit to roads and blocked it while youth pelted stones on deployed forces. Many protesters sustained injuries during the clashes.Thousands of people participated in the funeral of these two militants who were laid to rest amid massive protest and pro-freedom slogans. Mukhtar Khan according to local sources was active from since November 2016 and was affiliated with militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. He is survived by his parents, a brother and three sisters. (CNS)