Top Hizb commander among 3 militants killed, civilian succumbs, 2 soldiers attain martyrdom

SRINAGAR: The night-long fierce encounter in Awnera village in Shopian ended Sunday with the killing of three local Hizbul Mujahideen militants including its Operational Commander Yasin Yatoo alias Mahmood Ghaznawai; two Army personnel attained martyrdom in the operation.
SSP Shopian A Dinkar said that Yasin Yatoo alias Mahmood Ghaznavi is among the three militants killed in the encounter.
He said that Adil Malik who was identified among the three is alive.
"Adil Malik and Yasin Yatoo were resembling each other. But we checked again the identity and the third body is of Yasin Yatoo," the SSP said.
"We have called his family for confirmation too, but we are sure it is him," he said.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Munir Khan said that encounter three local HM militants were killed by security forces.
"Three militants were killed. They are all locals and belong to HM. Three AK-47 rifles have been recovered from them," Khan told KNS.
The two other slain militants were identified as Umar Majid Sheikh, resident of Kathpora Yaripora and Irfan ul Sheikh, resident of Maldaira Shopian.
The gunfight started on Saturday evening in the village when Army's 3 RR, 55 RR, police and SOG had started cordon and search operation in Saturday evening after inputs about presence of a group of militants, including some top commanders of HM, police officials said.
The officials said the militants fired on security forces when the cordon and searches were being conducted in which five army soldiers were injured.
"The injured were rushed to 92 Base Hospital at BB Cant where two soldiers succumbed to their injuries.
The slain army men were identified as Sepoy Gawai Sumedh Waman, 25, and Sepoy Ilayaraja P, also 25 years-old.
"The three injured including a Captain, are recuperating at the hospital," officials said.
They said that during the gunfight, four houses were also damaged.
Authorities suspended internet services in Shopian and Kulgam to prevent spreading of information about the encounter and mobilization of people towards the encounter site.
As the encounter ended, clashes erupted in Zainapora and other areas in Shopian when security forces were winding up the operation and returning from the encounter site in which several protesters were injured among which one was referred to a Srinagar hospital.
Meanwhile, two policemen were injured today morning in Hajin, Bandipora when militants fired on a then during cordon and search operation in the area.
Police officials said the militants managed to escape as local residents threw stones towards security forces to disrupt the operation and help militants fled.
Meanwhile, the civilian, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir of Hawal, Srinagar, who was injured during an explosion yesterday near Budyari Chowk, Dalgate, has succumbed to his injuries
Police said that Mir was admitted at SMHS Hospital and he was referred to SKIMS Soura during wee hours today for further treatment. "He succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS," the police said.