Security forces kill Hizbul militant in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore

Police said the militant was earlier with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad before joining the Hizbul Mujahideen.

A Hizbul Mujahedeen militant was gunned down in north Kashmir’s Sopore in an encounter with security forces on Saturday, police said.

The gunfight in Sopore took place after the security forces launched a cordon and search operation. (AP)

The encounter began after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Reban area of Sopore in the morning.

In the ensuing gun-battle, one militant was shot dead.

“The terrorist killed was Shahid Ahmad Sheikh aka Shaveed, resident of Kachloo, Qaziabad, Handwara. He belonged to HM outfit. He was earlier with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),” a police spokesperson said.

Officials said one AK rifle, a grenade and some magazines were recovered from the site of the encounter.

Authorities shut down all educational institutions, including Higher Secondary schools and the Degree College in Sopore following the encounter.

The encounter took place shortly before Union home minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Srinagar. Singh is on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir in an attempt to find a resolution to the Kashmir problem.