Shopian April 19(KNS) : Two militants were killed in a gunfight between security forces and militants in Zeipora area of Shopian district on Monday. 

The police statement issued to KNS reads, "on a specific input regarding presence of militants in Zeipora area of Shopian, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 34RR and 178 Bn CRPF in the said area."

During the search operation as the presence of militants got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter, it said.

In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. They have been identified as Sabzar Ahmad Ganie of Sehpora Kulgam and Amir Ahmad Bhat resident of Malibugh, Imamsahib Shopian. 
As per police records, they were part of groups involved in many cases and linked with proscribed militant outfit HM. 

Arms, ammunition & other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other militancy related crimes.

The last rites of the killed militants shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and their nearest family members shall be allowed to participate in the last rites, it said.

In this connection police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared off of all the explosive materials, if any, it said. (KNS)