Srinagar April 27: Police said that a militant associate was killed while one or more militants were injured after an encounter took place between militants and government forces in south Kashmir’s Asthal area of Kulgam.   

“In view of inputs regarding militants planning to abduct and murder police personnel, exhaustive domination was being carried out by joint forces of Kulgam Police, RR and CRPF from the last few days. On Sunday, 26 April 2020 at about 2000 hrs one of such patrolling party of joint forces was attacked by militants numbering 4 to 6 in between villages Chehlan and Asthal,” Police said in a statement.

In the exchange of firing that ensued, one army officer received fire arm injuries, the statement added.

“The attack was followed by exchange of firing between SFs and militants in which SFs confirmed having hit 2 to 4 militants. The exchange of firing stopped around 2200 hrs. Due to expansive area of search, undulating terrain and total darkness, it was decided to carry out search of the area after first light. When search started in the morning, dead body of an unknown militant associate along with a pistol and a grenade was recovered. Besides six SIM cards were also recovered from his pocket. While a trail of blood was found leading out of the search area which proved that apart from the terrorist associate killed, one or more militants were injured. The search for injured terrorist(s) continues,” the statement said.

The police said an FIR under relevant sections has been registered in police station Kulgam.`