Two militants reportedly killed in Sopore encounter

Baramulla, Dec 13: Two militants were reportedly killed on Thursday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in apple township of Sopore in this north Kashmir district, official sources said.

Mobile internet service remained suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours since yesterday afternoon when the operation was launched.

The operation was suspended last night to avoid any causalities due to darkness, official sources told TNN. However, the operation was resumed with the first light this morning, they said, adding that when the security forces were moving towards a particular house in the area, the militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons.

Security forces also retaliated and in the encounter, two militants were killed, they said, adding that so far, the bodies of slain militants have not been recovered. Search operation was going on when the reports last came in, they added.

Acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants, troops of Army, Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation at Brath, Kalan Sopore.

Additional security forces have been deployed outside the cordoned off area to prevent any demonstration, they said.