RINAGAR: Five militants were killed in two different encounters in Kashmir Valley on Thursday, army said.
Defence ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said four terrorists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Budgam’s Futlipora.
In another gunfight that erupted in north Kashmir Sagipora village of Sopore area in Baramulla, police said one militant has been killed so far while a para commando of the army was injured. Earlier in the morning, police said four militants were trapped in the raging gun battle.
“Encounter is going on at Fotlipora Pakerpora Charishrief area of Budgam. According to preliminary reports, four militants are trapped,” a district police officer had told HT.
A teenager was injured when a mob clashed with the army in Pakherpora Chowk. The mob attacked the army convoy carrying reinforcements to Futlipora village, the police officer said.
Sinar Ahmad, 15, was injured when the army resorted to aerial firing after the mob attack. Ahmad was shifted to hospital in Srinagar, he added.
The police officer while confirming the clashes termed them as “minor” incidents.
Eyewitnesses from the encounter site said that a house in which the militants were believed to be hiding has been blasted by forces. Authorities have also suspended Internet services in the district.
Over 200 militants killed in J&K in 2017, says DGP Vaid
SRINAGAR: For the first time in seven years, the number of militants killed in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed 200, according to the state police.
“Today by the collective effort of @JmuKmrPolice, Indian Army, @crpfindia, CAPF and people of Kashmir have led to neutralisation of more than 200 terrorists in the year of 2017 alone,” Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid tweeted.
“This marks a huge landmark for establishing peace and stability in the state of J&K and our country,” the DGP added in another tweet.
According to official figures, 200 militants have been killed by the security forces during counter-insurgency operations from 1 January till date this year, which is the highest since 2010.
In 2010, 270 militants were killed.
However the number dropped to around 100 per year by 2015.
In 2016, 165 militants were killed by the security forces along the Line of Control.
There has been an increase in civilian killings in militancy-related violence with 54 civilians getting killed this year.
The number of security forces killed in militancy-related incidents this year was 77.