Soldier, militant killed in Pulwama

SRINAGAR: A soldier and a Hizbul Mujahideen militant were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday, officials said.

Security forces had launched a search operation late on Tuesday in Kamrazipora area after receiving specific inputs about presence of militants. Officials said there was an exchange of fire when security forces approached an orchard leading to injuries to a soldier, who later succumbed. Another soldier was also injured in the gunfight.

“One AK 47 rifle along with grenades, pouches and other war like stores were recovered,” said army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia.

The slain militant has been identified as Azaad Lalhari, a resident of Pulwama. As per police records, Azaad had a history of terror crime records. He was involved in planning and executing several terror attacks in the area. The soldier, who lost his life in the line of duty, was identified as Sowar Jilajeet Singh Yadav.

The army offered tributes to Yadav in a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment. Yadav,25, had joined the army in 2014.