A suspected militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian’s Shirmal on Wednesday, police said in an official statement.

Police said they had launched a joint operation with 44 Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force on the basis of what it said was a “specific input”.

A press note from security forces said that militants fired “indiscriminately” on the search party, sparking a gunfight.

The press note identified the militant killed as Sajad Ahmad Bhat from Badigam Aishmuqam village in Anantnag. The note also said that he was associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen, and that police records showed he has been active since October 14, 2020.  The note also said the suspect had several cases connected with terrorism.

The arms and ammunition security forces seized from the site of the alleged encounter included a pistol with magazine, a grenade and “other incriminating materials”.

“All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe his complicity in other terror crimes. During the search operation one hideout was busted and later on destroyed,” he said.

Courtesy: The Tribune: 23rd June, 2021