Firing broke out between security forces and hiding militants at Shopian in south Kashmir on Monday afternoon. Two militants were killed in the ongoing operation in Shopian, the police said.
A police spokesperson said the shootout started during a search operation in Zeipora area of Shopian. “A contact was established during the operation. The police and the security forces are on the job,” the police said. “Identification and affiliation of the trapped militants will be shared at the appropriate time,” the police said.
According to the police, the bodies of the two slain militants were retrieved from the site of the shootout. They have been identified as Sabzar Ahmad Ganie from Sehpora, Kulgam, and Amir Ahmad Bhat from Malibugh, Imamsahib, Shopian.
The police said the militants were associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen. One rifle and a pistol were also recovered. “The last rites of the killed militants shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and their nearest family members shall be allowed to participate in the last rites,” the police said.
The police asked the people to cooperate till the area was completely sanitised and cleared off of all the explosive materials.