Srinagar, June 23 (KNS): A militant was killed during an encounter between militants and security forces in Shirmal area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday, police said. 

An official told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that on a specific input regarding the presence of militants in orchards of Shirmal, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 44RR and 178Bn CRPF in the area.

He said that 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.

The official said that in the ensuing encounter, one militant was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter. 

“He has been identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Qadir Bhat resident of Badigam Aishmuqam Anantnag linked with proscribed militant outfit HM. As per police records, the killed militant was active since 14/09/2020 and was involved in several militancy related crime cases.”

The official said that 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 sanitised and cleared off of all the explosive materials, if any.” (KNS)