Three militants killed in separate encounters in Kashmir

Acting on specific information, security forces last night launched a search operation in Lehend-Habdipora area of the Shopian district, 52 kms from here, officials said here.
They said an encounter broke out between the hiding militants and security forces late last night and ended this morning with the killing of both the ultras.

The deceased militants have been identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Chopan and Khursheed Ahmad Ittoo, both residents of Shopian district, the officials said.

They were suspected to be involved in the attack on policemen in Yaripora area of Kulgam district on Monday as the INSAS and AK 47 rifles, snatched from the cops, were recovered from the scene of the gunbattle.

An unidentified militant was killed in a separate encounter in Muslim peer area of Sopore town in Baramulla district, 55 kms from here, the officials said.

Security forces launched an operation after receiving information about presence of militants in Muslim Peer area. The militants took refuge in a medical shop and started firing on the security forces, they said.

The security forces returned the fire and so far one ultra has been killed, the officials added.
The killing of the three ultras comes two days after two militants, including top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Sajjad Afghani, were killed in a shootout in Foreshore road area of the city.