Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an overnight gunfight with the security forces in Bijbehera town of Anantnag district on Thursday.
A source said the operation was launched by Army, Police andparamilitary CRPF men at around 12am, following inputs about the presence ofmilitants in the area.
“At around 2am, militants hiding in a house near TraumaHospital Bijbehara fired at security forces. The exchange of fire continuedtill 6:30 am after which the guns fell silent. The security forces blew up thehouse where the militants were holed up,” the source added.
The bodies of the deceased militants, an AK-47 rifle and anSLR were recovered from the spot, a Police spokesman said.
The deceased militants were identified as Safdar Amin, 25,of Zirpara locality of Bijbehara town and Burhan Ahmad Ganai alias Saifullah,24, of SK Colony locality of Anantnag town.
While Safdar was a school dropout, Burhan had done Bachelorof Physiotherapy from Srinagar and was planning to pursue post-graduationbefore he picked up arms.
Safdar, the Police said, had joined militancy in May 2017,and Burhan in June last year. “They were wanted by law for their complicity ina series of crimes including attack on security establishments and civilianatrocities. Several cases were registered against them,” the Policespokesperson added.
He also urged people not to venture inside the encounterzone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosives.
SHUTDOWN, RESTRICTIONS, PROTESTS
The killings triggered a spontaneous shutdown and protestsin the native towns of the deceased– Bijbehara and Anantnag. The authoritieshad imposed restrictions in both the towns.
Barricades and spools of concertina wires were put atvarious crossings to stop people from participating in the funeral prayers ofthe deceased militants. However, a large number of people gathered at the SKColony to attend the last rites of Burhan.
The funeral of Safdar was held in a school ground. Protestsand clashes also erupted in the town. A shutdown was also observed in theadjoining areas of both towns.