Two militants were killed, while as a third one surrendered before government forces during a gunfight in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, police said.

A police official said that forces launched a cordon and search operation in Khudwani area of Kulgam district early today following “specific information” about the presence of some militants there.

During searches, the militants opened fire at the forces. “The fire was retaliated by the forces, leading to a gunfight,” he said. Two militants of Hizb ul Mujahideen outfit were killed in the encounter, tweeted DGP Sp Vaid.

He said two weapons were recovered from their possession.

The official identified the slain militants as Sayar Ahmad Wani and Dawood Allaie Khan.

The OGW arrested during the operation was identified as Arif Sofi, said the official, adding he was apprehended with a pistol.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman said that a joint team of Police Kulgam, 1st RR and 18 Bn CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Khudwani area of Kulgam district following specific information about the presence of some terrorists of HM outfit there.

The militants were asked to surrender and among them, one militant identified as Arif Ahmad Sofi surrendered before the Police. The other two tried to escape from the spot while firing indiscriminately on the security forces. The fire was retaliated and during the ensuing encounter both the gunmen were neutralized, the spokesman said.

He identified them as Dawood Ahmad Allaie son of late Abdul Hamid Allaie resident of Hawoora and Sayar Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani resident of Wanpora, Qaimoh of Kulgam district.

“01 AK 47 rifle, 02 AK 47 magazines, 63 AK 47  rounds, 01 INSAS rifle, 01 INSAS magazine, 60 INSAS rounds, 01 pistol, 01 pistol magazine, 02 pistol rounds and 02 pouch were recovered from the site of encounter,” the spokesman added.

He said that the gunmen were involved in unlawful and anti-national activities. They were involved in killing of Sarpanch of village Hawoora and weapon snatching from guard post Samnoo.

Dawood Ahmad Allaie was also involved in instigating youth to pelt stones, firing incident on Police Station Yaripora and bank robbery at Arwani branch of J&K Bank, the spokesman added. Besides, Sayar Ahmad Wani was also involved in threatening the families of police personnel, he added.

Meanwhile, thousands participated in the funeral prayers of two militants.

Witnesses said that five rounds of funeral prayers were held for Dawood Allaie Khan in Hawoora village while four rounds were held for Sayar Ahmad Wani in Wanpora.

They said that pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans were raised during the last rites of both the militants.

Guest