1. Home
2. Front Page

2 militants killed in pre-dawn gunfight in Shopian

ESS AHMAD. Dated: 6/12/2019 11:23:39 AM

Authorities shut internet services

ANANTNAG, Jun 11: Two militants reportedly belonging to Ansar-ul-Gaznwatul-Hind were killed in a pre-dawn gunfight with government forces in southern Shopian district.
The slain were identified as Sayar Ahmad Bhat of Yaripora Kulgam and Shakir Ahmad Wagay of Awneera Shopian.
The gunfight raged in Awneera village at the crack of dawn after a joint contingent of counter insurgent groups launched a cordon and search operation in the area following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of militants.
As the search party of forces, officials said, advanced towards the suspected spot, the militants sheltered there attacked them with bullets and other ammunition. The attack, they said, was retaliated by the forces triggering a firefight between two sides.
An official said one of the militants was slain in the initial phase of gunfight while his other associate was killed after few hours of firefight.
Though some reports suggested that the slain were part of AGH formed by Zakir Musa who was killed last month in Dadsara village of Tral, however police did not divulge any details about their affiliation.
Police in a statement said the slain were inspired by ISIS ideology and were involved in several attacks on civilians and forces.
Bodies of both the slain militants were later handed over to their families for last rites. Witnesses said hundreds of people amid rains participated in the funeral prayers of the slain duo.
Meanwhile, authorities snapped the mobile internet services in the district to maintain the order.