Srinagar: Three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were killed in Kakapora town in Pulwama district on Wednesday late night in an encounter with forces.
Director General of Police, S P Vaid tweeted: “3 LeT terrorists eliminated at Kakapora #Pulwama in an encounter including Majid Mir who was involved in a number of killings.”
Police officials said the encounter began on Wednesday night when forces received an input about presence of some militants in New Colony locality of Kakapora town.
The officials said police, army and CRPF cordoned off the area and zeroed in on the house in which militants were hiding.
“During searches of houses in the locality, militants fired from a house which was retaliated by forces. And in the retaliatory fire, three militants were killed,” a police official said.
The militants were identified as Majid Ahmad Mir alias Abbas, Sharik Ahmad, both residents of Kakapora and Shabir Ahmad of Aghanzpora, Awantipora.
The bodies of militants were recovered today early morning and handed over to their families. Witnesses said the bodies of the militants were charred and beyond recognition as forces had blasted the house heavily and the house was converted into rubble.
Earlier, when the encounter erupted on Wednesday night an army Major was injured in his hand due to a bullet fired by militants, police official said, adding, he was rushed to a hospital and was stable.
Authorities in the district have suspended internet service, colleges, higher secondary schools have been ordered closed.
An order issued by the District Magistrate Pulwama said that in view of prevailing law and order situation, restrictions have been imposed in Kakapora, Awantipora and Pulwama town as a precautionary measure.
“Further the class work in Govt Degree Colleges and Higher Secondary School shall remain suspended today (22 June).
A spontaneous shutdown was observed in Pulwama, Kakapora and adjoining area, with schools, shops and offices shut for the day. Traffic was off the roads and forces have been deployed in “sensitive” areas to prevent protests. (KNS)