Four Hizb-ul Mujahideen militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Damhal Hanjipora area of southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday.
The encounter erupted in Harmand Guri village of Khul Batpora in the wee hours today. Police saidthat after tracking down the militants, an operation was launched by specialoperation group (SOG), army’s 34 RR and 18 Battalion CRPF.
“As the security forces zeroed in towards the house themilitants had taken shelter in, they came under heavy firing. The fire wasretaliated triggering an encounter,” he said.
A police official said two militants were killed in initialexchange of fire. “The guns however kept roaring on both sides till lateafternoon. The security forces later blasted the house by using ImprovisedExplosive Devices following which the guns fell silent,” he said.
A few other houses also suffered damage in the exchange offire and use of heavy explosives.
The security forces later launched searches and retrievedbodies of four militants from the debris. An army personnel was also injured inthe exchange of fire and was evacuated to the hospital.
The slain were identified as Ajaz Naik of Chemar (DH Pora),Shahid Malik of Khul (DH Pora), Waqar Ahmad Itoo of Hanand-Chawalgam villageand Muhammad Ashraf Malik alias Sadam of Arwani Bijbehara in Anantnag.
Naik, listed as category-B militant by police, had joinedmilitant ranks two years back and Malik, a category-C militant, had joinedearly last year. Waqar Ahmad had taken up arms only a few weeks back and AshrafMalik five months ago.
Inspector-General of Police Vijay Kumar said this group wasinvolved in the recent killing of four civilians in the district and also theone in Anantnag. He said they were also involved in several other cases. Thebodies of all four militants were later handed over to their families for thelast rites.