Srinagar: On Friday, security forces have killed a militant of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, informed official sources. However, two militants have reportedly managed to escape during the operation which has now ended, they said.
Sources have warned the residents about the presence of militants in hilly orchard Rinzipora Banderpora, Awantipora in Pulwama, troops of Rashitriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF has launched a joint search operation this morning.
However, militants hiding in a particular area in hilly orchards started fire using automatic weapons when the security forces marched towards the area. They said that a militant was killed in the encounter.
The HM militant who was killed in the encounter has been identified as Ishfaq Yousuf Wani, a resident of village Quil, Pulwama.
The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Awantipora have suspended classes and also have directed students and teaching staff to leave. Internet services have also been suspended in Pulwama as a precautionary measure to prevent rumours.