Five Militants Killed As Kulgam Encounter Ends

Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar: Five militants were killed in a gunfight at Keelam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday.
Official sources told GNS that three militants were killed during the initial gunfight and the fresh exchange of firing resumed soon after JCBs were pressed to clear the debris of the house to retrieve bodies of slain trio militants seen lying near the spot.
The remaining militants believed to be two in number took shelter in a nearby house and opened fire which was retaliated by the forces, they said, adding that both the hiding militants were killed.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harmeet Singh Mehta also confirmed that the five militants have been killed and their bodies along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the site.
“The identity of the slain is being ascertained,” SSP said.
Another police official said that all the slain are said to be locals and were believed to be affiliated with Hizb ul-Mujahideen outfit.
Earlier, the officer said that the encounter broke out after the joint team of army’s 9 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. (GNS)