Militant, army soldier killed in ongoing Shopian operation, Body of slain recovered, handed over to family

Clashes ensue near encounter site, youth suffered pellet wounds

Shopian: A militant of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit and an army soldier were killed in an ongoing operation at Ittoo Mohalla Pandushan area of South Kashmir’s Shopian on Friday afternoon.

Official sources told that body was recovered from the site of the encounter late today evening. The body was taken to DPL where the slain has been identified as Zeenat-Ul-Islam of Memander.

After conducting all necessary formalities, the body of the slain was handed over to his legal heirs for last rites, they said.

Earlier, an army man was also killed during the encounter, they said, adding that an army man has suffered injuries. The injured soldier was immediately taken to army hospital for treatment, they said.

A police officer also confirmed the killing of a militant and a soldier during the operation so far.

He said that the operation is still going on in the area. According to the officer one more militant is still hiding in the area.

According to reports, one body is still lying near the encounter site and it is believed to be that of a non-local man namely Mujeeb, a resident of Bihar who was working as a labourer in the area. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard so far.

Earlier in the day, youth took to streets and pelted stones on forces near the encounter site. The police and paramilitary CRPF deployed in the area used tear smoke shells and pellets to disperse them.

In forces action, one youth namely Sahil Ahmad of Chogalpora Shopian sustained pellet injury in his left eye. Sahil was immediately taken to district hospital Kulgam for treatment where from he was referred to SMHS Srinagar for specialized treatment.

On Thursday evening, the encounter broke out at Ittoo Mohalla Pandoshan village after a joint team of army’s 34 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation. (GNS)