2 militants killed in Kupwara: Army

Srinagar: Two unknown militants were killed in two different encounters in Karnah and Tanghdar sectors, along the line of control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, while militants attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post in Sopore town of Baramulla district, official sources on Monday said.

Srinagar based, Army spokesman J S Brar said Army’s 15 Kamaun last evening confronted a group of heavily armed militants who tried to sneak into this side of LoC through Chayagali in Tangdhar sector. On being challenged, Brar said the infiltrators opened heavy fire on the Army.

“In the exchange of fire that continued for over an hour, one militant was killed. The infiltration bid was foiled,” he said.

In another encounter between Army’s 11 JAT and militants near Ganta post along the LoC in Karnah sector last evening, the Army spokesman said one unidentified militant was killed.

“The encounter is still in progress,” he added.

Meanwhile, unidentified militants last night tried to blow up a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) picket in Sopore town of Baramulla district.

Correspondent from North Kashmir said that unidentified militants lobbed a grenade and opened heavy fire at the CRPF picket near State Bank of India, main Chowk last evening. The CRPF returned the fire sparking off fierce gun battle that continued for over 20 minutes. The firing triggered panic in main Chowk and the adjoin areas with people running helter skelter.

“The attack came all of a sudden. We heard a loud explosion, followed by heavy exchange of gunfire. The encounter last for over 20 minutes,” Abdul Aziz, an eyewitness said.

However, police have denied the reports of militant attack on the troopers.

“There was no militant attack on any picket manned by the CRPF men,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Sopore, Altaf Khan said.