Security forces gun down two militants in north Kashmir’s Sopore

Two suspected militants were killed in an encounter with security forces on a highway in the Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday, security officials said.

Two suspected militants were killed in an encounter with security forces on a highway in the Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday, security officials said.

In this file photo, personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police search for militants who attacked a BSNL telecom franchise at Sopore. (PTI Photo)

Local reports said one of the militants was a local commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit and the other was a foreigner.

Police officials said they were trying to confirm the identities. Police also did not confirm the reports of injuries to at least two cops in the shoot-out.

“Two terrorists were killed. One AK-47 rifle and a pistol along with war-like stores were recovered...Sanitisation operation continues,” said an army spokesperson.

Officials said the army and police had information about militants travelling in a vehicle on the highway in the Sheer Amargarh area.

“During the search, militants travelling in a car abruptly started to open fire on the security forces. In retaliation, the two militants were killed,” said the police control room in Sopore.

The PCR informed officials were trying to confirm reports that one of the militants killed was Parvez Ahmad, a resident of Handwara in Kupwara district.

Sopore superintendent of police did not pick up the phone.