Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNS): The militant killed in the encounter that broke out in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday has been identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh of Srinagar, police said here.

An official told Kashmir News Service (KNS) the slain militant was involved in the killing of a civilian Mohammad Safi Dar in February this year.

Earlier, a joint team of forces cordoned off Wahibug village of Pulwama following the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the forces zeroed in on the suspected spot, hiding militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter

The official said that in the ensuing gunfight a militant from Srinagar, who was involved in recent civilian killing has been killed, while operation is going on.

“Killed #terrorist has been identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh of #Srinagar. He was involved in recent #killing of #civilian (Mohd Safi Dar, PDD Deptt’s staff) on 2/10/21. AK 47 rifle was used in his killing. One AK rifle along with Mag/Amn recovered,” Kashmir zone police quoting IGP Tweeted. (KNS)