2 Jaish militants among four killed, hideout busted in J and K

Srinagar, Dec 18 (UNI) Three militants, including two belonging to Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and a security jawan were killed while police busted a hideout and recovered arms and ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir overnight, official sources said.

Security forces and police arrested four militants alongwith some arms and ammunition at Sopore last evening.

They said troops of the Rashitriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir had launched a joint operation at Lalpora in the frontier district of Kupwara this morning, following a tip off on militants hideout.

However, while the troops were busy sealing the area, the militants attacked them with automatic weapons and also hurled grenades at them. The security forces retaliated, killing a militant. An AK 47 rifle besides some arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, they added.

They said the troops and SOG launched a joint operation at Sumbler, Bandipora, in the Baramulla district this morning after information was received that militants were holding a meeting there.

As the search operation was going on, militants opened fire and also hurled grenades. The security forces retaliated and in the fierce clash, two JeM militants were killed. A report from Baramulla said one security jawan was also killed and three houses were damaged in the encounter. The militants were identified as Saifullah and Khaliad, residents of Pakistan.

Two AK rifles, two UBGls and six magazines were recovered from the slain militants.

The police at Handwara in north Kashmir busted a hideout in Tulwari forest under the jurisdiction of police station Vilgam.

The arms and ammunition recovered included four UBGL grenades, a UBGL sight, a hand grenade, a pistol silencer, three magazines, 200 rounds of ammunition and blankets. However, no one was arrested.

In another incident militants shot at and wounded a Special Police Officer (SPO) Sher Mohammad at Banihal in Doda district.

UNI BAS DKA ND1932