Srinagar: Two militants have been killed in an encounter with government forces in Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar, police said on Friday.

The gunfight had started yesterday after militants attacked the policemen guarding a Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dr Anwar Khan.

“Following leads, forces cordoned a cluster of houses at Balhama, wherein the hiding militants fired upon them. During the initial firing, a CRPF personnel sustained bullet injuries and was shifted to 92 Base Hospital for treatment. He is stated to be stable,” a police spokesman said.

Pertinently, four residential houses where militants were reportedly hiding were razed to rubble during the gunfight.

Two houses belonging to Ghulam Mohammad Bhat and others to Mohammad Yousuf Bhat and Ghulam Mouhdin. The houses were damaged during the fierce gun battle between the two sides.

Two dead bodies of militants have been recovered so far, whose identities are being ascertained,” said a police spokesman.

“Along {with} the dead bodies, incriminating materials which include weapon and ammunition have been recovered as well.”

The encounter ensued after a group of militants made an abortive bid to snatch a rifle of the personal guard of BJP leader Mohammad Anwar Khan near Arsh medical institute in Balhama, Khanmoh. The PSO identified as Bilal Ahmad suffered injuries in the incident.

Soon army, CRPF, and SOG rushed to the area and cordoned off the entire as they intensified the searches, the militants believed to be three in number hiding in the area fired upon joint team ensuing a gunfight.

Meanwhile following the killings, all schools and colleges have been closed in Pulwama district while internet services have also been snapped as a precautionary measure.

Trains services have also been suspended across Kashmir.

Guest