SRINAGAR, JUNE 23: Four militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district on Sunday.
The four slain militants have been identified as Showkat Ahmad Mir, Rafi Hassan Mir, Suhail Ahmad Bhat and Azad Ahmad Khanday, a police official said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Daramdora area of Shopian, following information about the presence of militants there.
“On a specific input, a cordon and search operation was launched at Panzar area in Shopian district by J&K Police and security forces. During the search operation, the militants fired upon the search operation party that led to an encounter. Four terrorists were killed in the attack and the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter,” a police said.
Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.
The operation began following specific information about the presence of three to four heavily armed terrorists in an orchard area of Daramdora village, said the police official.
He said that the entire area was cordoned off by the security forces and the militants were soon trapped from all sides.
The encounter broke out after the hiding terrorists resorted to heavy firing to break the security cordon and escape, said the police official.
Defence Ministry spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said: “Four terrorists have been killed in Daramdora village of Shopian district. Weapons and other incriminating material have been recovered from their possession.”
Among the four killed militants, Showkat Ahmad Mir had a long history of since 2015. He was initially part of proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and later joined Ansar Gazwatul Hind outfit.
Showkat Ahmed Mir was one of the wanted militants who was involved in a series of activities including the attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities.
He had earlier fired at civilians — Bashir Ahmad Dar and Altaf Ahmad — at Qasabyar. Bashir Dar succumbed to his injuries and Altaf was seriously injured during the attack. He was also involved in the killing of a policeman Sameer Ahmad.
Showkat Mir was instrumental in the recruitment of Azad Ahmad, Rafi Hassan & Suhail Ahmad who had recently joined the militants fold.
As a precautionary measure authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Shopian district, added the official. (PTK)
