Jammu & Kashmir

Top Hizbul commander Altaf Kachroo among militants killed in Anantnag gunfight

Search is still ongoing

The two militants who were killed in an ongoing gunfight in Anantnag district between militants and armed forces’ identity has been revealed. A police official identified the slain as Hizb divisional commander Altaf Ahmad Dar alias Kachroo of Hawoora and Umar Rashid Wani of Khudwani.

Meanwhile, a protester was injured in the clashes near the gunfight.

Earlier, reports said a joint team of army’s 1 RR, Special Operations Group (SOG) and paramilitary CRPF personnel laid a seige to Binpora Muniward area of Khanabal around 5am.

“Anantnag encounter update: Two militants killed. Arms and ammunition recovered. Search continues. Identity is being established.@JmuKmrPolice,” police said on Twitter.

An official said the militants hiding in a house opened fire on the forces, triggering a gunfight today morning.

“In the ensuing gunfight that lasted for several hours, two militants were killed,” he said.

The sounds of a massive blast was heard soon after the forces cordoned off the area, reported GNS news agency. An intense exchange of fire followed the blast.

A senior police officer said the operation was launched following inputs about the presence of two top militants in the area. A police official, according to GNS, said the militants opened fire as the forces approached the suspected house, leading to a gunfight.

Reports said that clashes erupted as the gunfight broke out with protesters taking to streets to help the militants escape.They said the forces fired tear gas to chase away the protesters who were pelting them with stones.

A local said that restrictions have been imposed in Anantnag town in the wake of the gunfight that broke out around 5 am. Train service was also suspended on the Srinagar-Banihal route following the gunfight. Following the gunfight, authorities have snapped Internet services in most parts of Anantnag and Kulgam districts.

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