Kulgam encounter: Three militants killed, two soldiers injured

Srinagar, Oct 21: Three militants were killed and two security force personnel injured in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Kulgam, where authorities have suspended mobile internet service since Sunday morning.

Official sources said Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF on a tip off about the presence of militants launched a joint search operation at village Laroo Kulgam early today.

When the security forces were sealing the area, the militants hiding there opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons, they said, adding that security forces also retaliated, ensuing in an encounter. Two security force personnel were injured in the initial shootout, the sources added.

Later, security forces shifted people in the nearby houses to safer place and asked the militants to surrender.

A police spokesman also confirmed that three militants were killed in the encounter. The operation was going on when the reports last came in. The identity of the militants was being ascertained.

To foil any demonstration in the nearby areas, additional security forces have been rushed and the authorities also suspended mobile internet service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to prevent spread of rumours.