Six militants and Army Solider were killed in an encounter that raged between forces and militants in South Kashmir's Shopian district here on Sunday. A top police told KNO that a joint cordon was launched by the police and security forces on a credible input about the presence of militants in Batagund area of district Shopian in the wee hours today. As the search operation was going on, the search party was confronted with bullets fired by the hiding militants. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter. In the initial exchange of fire one army soldier of 162 BN territorial army identified as Nazir Ahmad sustained injuries and was evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment where he succumbed,” official said. Official said, In the ensuing encounter, Six militants were killed and bodies of militants Retrieved, however their identification is yet to be ascertained. Incriminating materials including huge quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.
Meanwhile, Police urged citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. “People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials if any,” he added. Meanwhile, Massive Clashes broke out between youth and government forces near Encounter site following the killing of six militants in a Gunfight. Witnesses said soon after the killing of six militants in a gunfight at Batgund area, groups of youth took to streets in the area. Local Sources said that youth threw stones towards government forces who retaliated by firing tear smoke shells, triggering clashes. Local Sources said that, a youth was killed during Clashes after being hit by a bullet. He was identified as Numan Ahmad resident of Yaripora Kulgam. Army Defense Spokesman Rajesh Kalia, told KNO that army personal who was injured during initial gunfight has succumbed to injuries, all 06 bodies of Militants retrieved, identification of Militants being ascertained. Authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Shopian district as a "precautionary measure.”(KNO)