2 militants killed in Baramulla encounter

Two militants were killed in an encounter between militants and the security forces in north Kashmir’s Sopore, officials said on Friday.

The police said they had received inputs about the presence of militants in the Sagipora area of Sopore in Baramulla district. Joint forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area on Thursday evening, the police said, adding that the hiding militants opened fire at the forces, which retaliated.

Kashmir IGP VK Birdi said the operation concluded on Friday afternoon and two terrorists were gunned down.

The Kashmir zone police said on X that two terrorists had been neutralised in the Sopore encounter and their identification and affiliation were being ascertained. “Incriminating material, arms and ammunition have been recovered. Further details shall follow,” the police said.

Addressing a press conference, security officials said civilians were evacuated during the Sopore operation.

The Army said war-like stores and other material were recovered from the slain militants. “They were operating in north Kashmir for the past few days and their killing is a big success for the security forces,” said an Army officer.