SRINAGAR: A second militant has been killed in a gunfight with security forces in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, police say.
The encounter, that started on Friday afternoon, has ended with the killing of Mohammad Ashraf Rather alias Molvi.
Rather was the District Commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group.
His superior and Hizb’s Divisional Commander and Financial Chief, Sajad Ahmad Mir alias Tajammul Islam was killed yesterday. A large number of people, chanting slogans, took part in their funerals.
A joint team of the Army and local police had laid siege to Vandena village after receiving a tip off about the presence of militants.
Police say the militants fired upon the search party triggering an encounter.
They say the slain militants were involved in the killing of Sarpanch, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Kulpora, Pulwama and Mudasir Ahmad of Aharmulla, Pulwama this year.
“Both of these militants were involved in the killing of Showkat Ahmad Rather of Grawgund Bandina, Pulwama in 2010 and army man, Mehraj-ud-Din of Chandgam, Pulwama in 2010,” a police statement said.
Overall violence involving militants and security forces has considerably declined in Jammu and Kashmir.
But occasional attacks and gunbattles still take place.
