Srinagar( Jammu and Kashmir): The security forces gunned down nine militants in two separate encounters conducted in the last 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
On Sunday, five militants were reported to be killed in an encounter launched in the Reban village of Shopian district, police said, adding, "while a search was on, militants opened fire at the security forces, triggering a gunbattle around 8.45 am on Sunday."
Speaking to reporters, Brigadier Vijay Mahadevan of 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles termed the operation a "big success".
"It is a big success and our effort is to continue targeting the militant leadership," he said.
The identities of the militants have not yet been disclosed but police said they probably belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen and one of them was likely a top commander.
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On Monday, the security forces carried out a search operation after receiving information about the presence of 4-5 militants in the Pinjora area of Shopian. Pinjora is around 12kms from Reban village where five militants were killed yesterday.
According to police, militants believed to be associated with the militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen fired on the security forces, which retaliated, and four militants were killed in the gunfight.
There are reports that three security forces personnel have also been wounded in the ensuing gunfight but not confirmed officially.
"Joint operation launched in early hours today (Monday) on intelligence input by J&K Police. Cordon was laid and contact established with the militants. Firefight ensued. Four terrorists eliminated," Srinagar-based Defence spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia said, adding that the joint operation is in progress.
It was the second encounter in Shopian district in the past 24 hours, in which nine militants have been killed so far.
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