Mohammad Abu Bakr
SOPORE
An encounter broke out on Friday morning between militants and forces in Bomai area of Sopore Tehsil in North Kashmir.
Two militants died in the gun battle.
The slain militants, both locals, were identified as Altaf Ahmad of Brath Sopore and Ishfaq Ahmad of Wussan Pattan.
At the Sehri, Army had cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in Chana Mohalla, Bomai. According to locals, army on operation did not allow them to offer morning prayers in the local Masjid.
The first exchange of fire between army and the militants took place at around 7:30 in the morning.
The first militant was killed at around 10:30 AM. As the news broke out in the village, scores of villagers came out on the roads and chanted anti-India and pro freedom slogans. The protestors resorted to stone pelting. To quell the protests the police resorted to tear gas shelling and aerial firing.
The second militant lost his life around 12:30 PM.
After his death, the stone pelting in Bomai intensified. Scores of youth were injured during the stone pelting.
As the dead body of Altaf reached his home, thousands of people from Brath and neighbouring villages poured in to pay tribute to the slain militant.
Women showered sweet candies and Rose petals on the dead body of Altaf Ahmad Mir. The funeral of Brath militant took place in his home village which was attended by thousands of people who had arrived at the funeral spot from different places of Sopore. Later, reports said that militants gave gun salute near slain militant Altaf’s grave at Brath. They fired several bullets in the air.
Authorities had suspended mobile internet service briefly in Sopore.
