Srinagar, Jun 7: Five militants were killed in an encounter which ensued after security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Sunday..
Soon after the gunfight broke out internet mobile service of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), were suspended in Shopian and neighbouring Kulgam district.
Defence Ministry Spokesperson Rajesh Kalia told UNI that troops of 1 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint CASO at Reban in Shopian following a tip off about the presence of militants in the wee hours.
‘All exit points were sealed and house to house searches launched,’ he said, adding when the security forces were moving towards a particular area in the village, militants hiding there, opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons.
Col Kalia further said troops retaliated ensuing in an encounter. ‘Five militants were killed in the exchange of fire,’ he stated, adding no collateral damage took places due to adherence to all precautionary measures.
Official sources said that additional security forces were deployed in the nearby areas to prevent any demonstration, adding residents living in nearby houses were shifted to safer places.
