Four soldiers, including a Major, and three terrorists were killed in an encounter at Hafruda forests in the northern border district of Kupwara in Kashmir.
The clash, which began on Saturday, was raging on till last reports came. Two terrorists are reported to be still resisting the
troopers.
This is the third encounter since last Friday. The army shot dead three terrorists at Drangyari near Chowkibal in the same district.
One more terrorist was killed in a separate operation in Shamsbrari forest. Defence spokesman Lt. Col. J.S. Brar said on Saturday that troops of 1-Para regiment and 6 Rashtriya Rifles launched a search operation in the Hafradu forests.
Militants, who were reported to have taken shelter in natural caves, opened fire on the approaching troopers, killing Major Mohit Sharma (31) of Parachute Regiment and three other soldiers. Sharma’s death has spread a pall of gloom at his Ghaziabad home.
Thousands of people gathered at his Sahibabad residence to offer their condolences. His last remains are expected to arrive on Monday.
In the valley, Lt. Col. Brar said the operation was still on. “This is a dense forest area. Troops are looking for other militants hiding in the area,” he said. Police and army authorities are trying to establish link between the three encounters.