Four Islamic State terrorists killed in Kashmir encounter

Srinagar, June 22: A policeman and four militants were killed in a shootout at Nowshera village in South Kashmir on Friday, police said. A civilian was also killed in clashes between police and local residents that erupted in the neighbourhood, reports indicated.

Confirming the casualties, Jammu and Kashmir director general of police SP Vaid tweeted that the militants are reportedly affiliated to the ISJK — short for the Islamic State of Jammu and Kashmir. According to TNN, police have identified one of the militants as ISJK chief Dawood.

According to sources, militants holed up in a house opened fire at police and army personnel during a search operation at Nowshera village – around 10 kilometres from Anantnag town – on Friday morning. Even as the encounter progressed, villagers began pelting stones at security personnel in an attempt to let the militants escape. A civilian was killed and over 12 others suffered injuries in the clashes that followed. Police said that while Mohammad Yusuf Rather died, his wife was taken to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in a critical condition.

This is the first encounter to occur between militants and security personnel ever since the state came under governor’s rule. Three militants were killed in a previous encounter at Tral.