TWO HIZB MILITANTS KILLED

SRINAGAR: Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Kashmir’s Budgam, police said Wednesday. In the last three days, eight militants have been killed in such encounters.

An official said one of the slain militants was active since 2015.

Police said a cordon and search operation was launched late on Tuesday by the special operation group of the J&K police and the Army following a tip off about the presence of militants in Gopalpora area.

Police said security forces were fired up on by the militants as the search was on. The forces retaliated, leading to a gunfight, they said.

The militants have been identified as Hilal Ahmad Wani and Shoaib Mohammad Lone alais Mursi, both residents of south Kashmir.

Police spokesman said both the militants were affiliated with the Hizbul Mujahideen and were wanted for many militancy-related crimes.