Two armymen killed, three injured in Shopian encounter

SRINAGAR: Two army men were killed and three others, including a captain, were injured in an encounter with militants in Shopian district of south Kashmir, the police said on Saturday.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation following information about the presence of militants in Avneera village of Zainapora area of the district, a police official said.

He said as the security forces were conducting searches,the militants opened firing on them which was retaliated by the law enforcement personnel, triggering a gunfight.

Five soldiers were injured in the gun battle, he said, adding that they were evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital of the Army for treatment, where two among them succumbed to their injuries. Rumours were spread on social media about the destruction of a mosque near the site of a gun battle. Police was quick to refute that.

“No damage to any mosque caused in Shopian. Rumour mongers trying to vitiate the atmosphere. Action will be taken against such elements,” a police spokesperson said. Since July 30, 14 militants have been killed in encounters with security forces in Kashmir. (HT inputs)

RUMOURS SPREAD ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT DESTRUCTION OF A MOSQUE NEAR THE SITE