Three militants killed, over 24 hour operation ends in south Kashmir Srinagar,

Srinagar: With the killing of all the three holed up Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants in encounter with security personnel, over 24-hour-long operation ended in south Kashmir district of Pulwama. The operation has now ended after bodies of all the three militants, who were holed up in the cordoned off area, were recovered, official sources told UNI today. Killing of HM militants took place a day after Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) based chief of the outfit Syed Salahuddin admitted that militants operating in Kashmir were receiving monetary help, arms and ammunition from Pakistan. About four people were injured when security forces opened fire and burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators who were trying to disrupt the operation against the militants, they said. They said security forces and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation at village Bahmnoo in Pulwama district following a tip off about the presence of militants early yesterday morning. However, when the security forces were moving towards particular area in the village, the militants opened fire, they said, adding that firing was retaliated ensuing an encounter. The militants tried to escape from the cordoned off area, they said, adding that a local militant was killed before two other militants managed to enter a nearby house. Another local militant who was holed up in the house was also killed in the encounter last night, they said adding one more militant was still firing on security forces during the night. Firing and loud explosions could be heard in the area during the night, local residents said. They said about four houses were blasted by the security forces as militants were often changing their positions. Third militant was also killed early this morning, sources said adding the operation was closed after bodies of all the slain militants were recovered. Two local slain militants have been identified as Kifayat and Jehangir of Hizbul Mujahideen(HM), sources said, adding that the third militant is believed to be a foreigner. Six security force personnel, including an officer, were also injured in the encounter and stone pelting.
About four persons were injured when security forces opened fire to disperse demonstrators who were trying to disrupt the operation against the militants. Several others, were injured after security forces burst teargas shells, resorted to lathicharge and also pelted stones on demonstrators who were also pelting stones and bricks.(UNI)