Srinagar, June 19 (KNS):Eight militants were killed in two encounters in Shopian and Pampore in south Kashmir in the last 24 hours. In the Pampore operation, security forces killed two militants who were holed up inside a mosque. There was "no use of firing and IEDs" and "only tear smoke shells" were used to "maintain sanctity of the mosque", the police said.
According to KNS government forces launched search operation in Shopian and Pampore areas yesterday morning after receiving specific information about the presence of militants. While five militants were killed in Shopian, three were killed in Pampore.
One militant was killed in the gunfight in Pampore in Pulwama district on Thursday, but two others entered a nearby mosque to take refuge inside it, the official said.
On Friday morning, security forces used tear smoke shells to force the two militants out of the mosque, the officials said, adding the two were then killed by the forces while maintaining the sanctity of the religious place
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, said no firing or IED was used to force the terrorists out if the mosque
"Patience and professionalism worked. No use of firing and IED. Used tear smoke shells only. Maintained sanctity of the mosque. Both terrorists hiding inside mosque neutralised," the IGP said.
Pulwama encounter
Director-General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh on Friday said that the security personnel have killed at Pampore area of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
One militant was killed on Thursday in the encounter in Meej village of Awantipora area. Two others had then taken refuge inside local Jamia mosque in the village.

Shopian encounter
At least four five militants have been killed in the encounter, which is ongoing, in Shopian district on Friday. "Two more three have been eliminated in Munand area of Shopian district in. So far, four five militants have been killed in the operation which is still in progress," PRO Defence, Srinagar said.
One militant was killed in the encounter on Thursday (KNS)