Soldier martyred, two militants killed during gunfight in southern Kashmir’s Shopian

Officials state the operation is ongoing and will continue until dawn as searchlights have been mounted and cordon layers tightened.

On Saturday evening, two militants was killed in a gun battle between government forces and militants in Wangam village of Herman area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Two unnamed militants have been killed, according to local police officials, who didn’t reveal their identity.

The security officials claimed that a US-made M4 rifle and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

The gunfight erupted after a joint team of local police, Army’s 34 RR and CRPF conducted a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in response to detailed intelligence about the presence of militants in the area.

As per the security officials, when the joint team of government forces approached the suspicious location, the hiding militants opened fire, prompting a retaliation and resulting in the gunfight.

Three Army men were injured in the initial exchange of fire. Later, one of the soldiers succumbed to his injuries while being treated at a hospital. The slain soldier has been identified as Pinku Kumar.

Given the darkness, a police officer said the ‘operation’ could continue until tomorrow morning. “To ensure that the remaining militants do not leave, we have mounted lights and tightened cordon layers,” he added.

Meanwhile, the trapped militants were repeatedly asked to surrender, according to the officials from police, but the militants declined the offer.