Five militants killed in encounter

Five Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants were killed in a fierce encounter in the central Kashmir district of Badgam on Monday. A police spokesperson said here this afternoon that troops of 24 Rashitriya Rifles (RR) and state police launched a joint search operation in Phali Nard Wangat forest area, Kangan, in Ganderbal following a tip-off about the presence of militants.

Five Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants were killed in a fierce encounter in the central Kashmir district of Badgam on Monday.

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A police spokesperson said here this afternoon that troops of 24 Rashitriya Rifles (RR) and state police launched a joint search operation in Phali Nard Wangat forest area, Kangan, in Ganderbal following a tip-off about the presence of militants.

However, when the troops were moving deep into the forest, militants attacked the first party with automatic weapons.

Troops also retaliated and in the fierce encounter five militants were killed, he said adding four slain militants were identified as Abu Bakar, Abu Khalid, Murtaza and Abdul Gazi.

The identification of fifth one is being ascertained, he said adding they belong to HM group. Five AK 47 rifles, 15 magazines, 2UBGLs and scores of bullets were recovered from encounter site. This was the second major encounter in Ganderbal district this year.

Last month three militants and a soldier were killed in a fierce encounter in the district.