Srinagar
Police and security forces in Khudpora area of District Shopian, launched a cordon and search operation yesterday evening based on credible inputs about the presence of militants in the area.
The police spokesman said that as the search operation was going on, hiding militants fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter.
Meanwhile following the SOP, civilians from the nearby area were evacuated to safer places. In the ensuing encounter, hiding militants fired on security forces. Consequently, post-encounter during the search two dead bodies were recovered from the site of encounter. The killed militant has been identified as Mohd Irfan Bhat of Pulwama who was associated with HM terror outfit since June 2017. The other one was identified as Shahid Mir who as per the police records as part of case FIR 201/2004 under section 7/25 Arms Act of police station Shopian for the militant-related incident. A couple of militants managed to escape from the site as blood trails have been seen at the site.
Moreover, the house where the encounter took place is intact albiet a hideout was found inside the house where militants were hiding.
Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation in the instant matter for ascertaining the facts pertaining to militants hiding in the said house and other related matters to this incident.
Citizens are once again requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.
