Srinagar: At least five militants including a 14 year old were killed in separate gunfights in South Kashmir’s Shopian and Bhijbehara areas.

Three militants were killed while as two army troopers were injured in an overnight encounter in Hadipura area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said that all the three militants have been killed in an overnight encounter, however identity of the slain militants is yet to be ascertained.

Joint forces made sincere efforts including family members to young militant for surrender. However other militants didn’t allowed him to surrender, IGP added.

The 14 year old was identified as Faisal Gulzar, a resident of main Chitragam was one among the slain militants.

Official sources told that two army soldiers were also injured and was shifted to 92 Base hospital for treatment.

According to officials, an AK-47 rifle and a pistol was recovered from the slain militants.

Earlier,  a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Hadipura.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

Who was 14 year old Faisal Gulzar?

14 year old Faisal Gulzar

A minor who is a lone brother of four sisters went missing in Chitragam Kalan area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district while his family consistently appealed him to return.

Faisal Gulzar(14) a resident of main Chitragam who was studying in class 10th at NIPS Zainapora according to his family went missing on Tuesday and since then there are no whereabouts of him.

His family members said that Faisal left home on Tuesday to bring some grocery items but didn’t return.

“We tried to contact him via phone, however, his phone was repeatedly switched off following which we contacted every relative, neighbours and his friends but couldn’t get any clue about him,” they said.

After failing to get any clue from any side, the family has filed his missing report at concerned police station and requested them to help them in tracing their ward.

“We don’t have anyone without him and he must be returned at the earliest, his missing has left whole family shattered,” they said.

Another encounter in Bijbehara

In another encounter, two militants were killed in an overnight gunfight at Semthan Bijbhera area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Official sources said that two militants have been killed in the gunfight which started late Saturday afternoon.

“The duo was responsible for the killing of Army jawan and were neutralized within two days,” IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said.

The TA soldier, Mohammad Saleem Akhoon son of Ghulam Hassan Akhoon of Bijbhera was killed near native village on April 9.

Earlier a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in the area. The operation, officials said, was suspended yesterday.

As the joint team approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, triggering off a gunfight. gns