Search operation turns into encounter after the hiding militants open firing

Two militants, who were trapped during an encounter with security forces, laid down their arms before the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday, officials said.

The security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation at Lelhaar in the Kakapora area of the district on Friday night following information about the presence of militants there, the officials said.

They said the search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding militants opened firing.

After a night-long lull in the firing, the two militants surrendered before the security forces with their two AK rifles, the officials said.

The two were identified as Akeel Ahmad Lone and Rouf-ul-Islam. Lone had sustained splinter injuries in his right foot and was taken to the police hospital here, they added. PTI

Courtesy: Daily Tribune: 30th January 2021