Militants escape after exchanging fire with soldiers in Shopian

Shopian, June 13: Security operation against militants has been called off in Truka Wangam village of Shopian here in South Kashmir.

The area was brought under siege after militants and combined forces exchange fire. As the firing stopped, combined forces including soldiers from 44, and 1 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF 178 Battalion and Special Operation Group personnel cordoned off the area and extended search operation beyond the limits of the village.

Door to door searches were conducted while identity cards of the locals were checked; however, no contact with militants was established.

Police sources told news agency KNT that shortly after exchanging volley of fire with army, militants believed to be two in number, escaped from the spot. Forces, even conducted thorough search operation in the orchards, but couldn’t find the militants.

This was the third incident of firing between militants and government forces in South Kashmir. Earlier, at Ghulab Bagh Tral are of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, militants and Forces exchange fire. Forces couldn’t trace the militants during the search operation.

In Naipora area of Qazigund Kulgam, two unidentified militants were killed in early hours on Saturday. (KNT)