Two militants were killed and six forces’ personnel wounded in a fierce gun battle in Sothu Kothair area of Nowgam on the outskirts of Srinagar on Wednesday morning, police said.
Reports said that the gunfight broke out around 2 AM in the area following a search operation.
Two militants have been killed and six forces’ personnel wounded in the gunfight, said DIG central Kashmir VK Birdi told reporters.
The slain militants were reportedly identified as PhD scholar Sabzar Sofi and Asif Ahmad Gojri – both residents of Anantnag. However, there was no immediate official confirmation.
Massive clashes broke out in the area with youth taking to streets to disrupt the operation.
Meanwhile, Internet was snapped in Srinagar and Budgam as a “precautionary measure” to prevent law and order situation.
Schools and colleges have also been closed in Srinagar district.
Police Statement:
Security forces in the outskirts of Srinagar at Wanbal J/D of P/S Nowgam, launched a cordon and search operation today morning based on credible input about the presence of the militants.
During search operation, militants fired upon the search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter.
In the ensuing encounter, two militants were neutralized. The identity of the killed militants is being ascertained.
Pertinently, the SOP was followed during the encounter and no collateral damage took place during the encounter.
Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.
Citizens are once again requested not to enter the encounter site as such an area can prove dangerous due to uncleared explosive materials.
People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.
Police has registered a case and investigation has been initiated.