Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in a pre-dawn operation of the security forces in south Kashmir’s Anantnag on Tuesday.
“Around 4 a.m., three terrorists were hiding in a residential house at Sheikhpora village, Vailoo area of Kokernag. During the search operation, the trapped terrorists were given an opportunity to surrender. However, they fired indiscriminately, resulting in an encounter. They were killed in the encounter,” Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said.
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He said the operation was halted for some time to rescue all civilians trapped near the encounter site.
The police identified the slain militants as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer from Danwathpora in Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah from Batamaloo in Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil from Khandaypora in Kulgam.
“Arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter,” the police said.
The police said the last rites of the slain terrorists would be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members would be allowed to participate.