Security forces killed two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a senior commander, in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday. Altaf Kachroo, who was wanted for terror-related crimes since 2012, was one of those killed in the operation, police said.
Director General of Police SP Vaid tweeted that the operation has been completed. Arms and ammunition were seized from the militants, the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
Internet connection was suspended in several parts of Anantnag and Kulgam districts after the gunfight broke out earlier in the day, Greater Kashmir reported.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out between security forces and several youth who took to the streets and hurled stones. Security forces reportedly fired tear gas and pellets to chase away the protestors. A youth identified as Abid Rashid Bhat suffered pellet injuries on his face.
Restrictions have been imposed in parts of Anantnag district amid fears of protests by residents, Kashmir Reader reported, quoting witnesses. Roads connecting Anantnag with neighbouring districts have been reportedly blocked to restrict the movement of people.
Train services were suspended on the Srinagar-Banihal route following the gunfight.
A joint team of the Army’s 1 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group and Central Reserve Police Force personnel were involved in the operation. A search operation was launched after the police received inputs about the presence of two militants in the area, reports said.
The gunfight comes a day after suspected militants detonated an improvised explosive device as an Army vehicle was passing by in Pulwama district. The militants also fired at the vehicle. No casualties were reported.
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