SFs resume CASO in north Kashmir, 2 militants killed

Srinagar, Sep 21: With the first light on Friday morning, security forces resumed Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in north Kashmir district of Bandipora, where so far, two militants have been killed during the past 24 hours.

Acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants, Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation in the woods at Shoukhbaba, Bandiporal.

When the security forces were moving deep into forest, the militants opened fire with automatic weapons, they said, adding that security forces also retaliated, ensuing in an encounter. Two militants were killed so far in the encounter. Body of a militant was recovered yesterday while another was retrieved this morning. The identity of the militants was being ascertained, they said. The militants are believed to be foreigners.

The operation was stopped last night due to darkness in the forest area. However, with the first light this morning, security forces resumed the operation.

It is believed some more militants are still hiding in the forest, the sources said, adding that the operation was going on when the reports last came in.