Srinagar, June 14: Police on Tuesday said that two Lashke-e-Toiba militants were killed in an encounter last night. It also claimed that the duo had “escaped” from an anti-militancy operation and that they were planning the attack on the ensuing Amarnath Yatra.

“Acting on specific information generated by Police regarding the movement of (militants) in Bemina area of Srinagar, who had earlier escaped from an encounter in Sopore and were being tracked continuously, Police established a special naka in Bemina near JVC Bemina,” a police spokesperson said. “During naka checking two suspects while approaching the said naka were challenged by the Naka party, to which these suspects’ (militants) started indiscriminate firing upon the naka party. The fire was however effectively retaliated, leading to a brief encounter.”

In the initial exchange of fire, the spokesperson said, five police personnel received minor injuries who were immediately evacuated to hospital for the treatment of their injuries.

In the ensuing brief encounter, two militants were killed. They have been identified as Abdullah Goujri of Faisalabad Pakistan and Adil Hussain Miralias Sufian alias Musab of Anantnag.

“It is pertinent to mention here that the killed Adil Hussain Mir had crossed over to Pakistan in year 2018 on visit VISA from Wagah.”

While interacting with media, IGP Kashmir said that “Pakistan based handlers had sent two Pakistani LeT (militants) along with Adil Hussain, a resident of Pahalgam area with the directions to carry out attacks on Amarnath Yatra.”

However, he said, all the three militants have been killed now in two separate encounters at Sopore and at Bemina, Srinagar.

“IGP Kashmir appreciated the role of police for tracking and neutralizing the (militants) who had recently escaped in Sopore encounter,” the spokesperson said, adding, “He further said it is a big success for us as they were planning to attack Amarnath Yatra however the prompt and timely action by the police led to the elimination of both the (militats) and thereby averting the possible major threat.”

Incriminating materials, he said, arms and ammunition including 2 AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines, 165 live cartridges, Y-SMS device, Matrix sheets, Pakistani medicines etc were recovered from the site of encounter.

“In this connection, Police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated,” the spokesperson police said, adding, “People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared off of all the explosive materials, if any.”

Meanwhile, an encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Mishipora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

When last reports were received, there was lull in the site and as per officials the operation shall resume at first light tomorrow. “the operation has been suspended for night due to darkness. The Cordoned remains intact and the operation shall resume at first light tomorrow,” a senior police officer said.