Kashmir: Two militants killed in Pulwama encounter, mobile internet suspended

The operation was still going on when the reports last came in, they said adding mobile internet service also remained suspended since last night.

They said troops of Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Chews Ular, about 7 km from main Tral town in Awantipora in Pulwama district at 1800 hrs last evening following a tip-off about the presence of militants.

They said when the security forces were moving towards a particular area, militants hiding there opened fire ensuing in an encounter.

After about a ten-minute exchange of fire, there was silence, they said adding all residents in the nearby houses were taken to a safer place.

They said more security forces were rushed to the area to completely seal all exit points to prevent militants from escaping under the cover of darkness.

Sources said there was an exchange of intermittent firing during the night in which a militant was killed in the wee hours.

With the first light this morning, an all-out offensive was launched leading to fresh exchange of fire in which another militant was killed. There is still one more militant trapped inside the house which was also blasted by security forces, they said adding the operation was going on.

Meanwhile, additional security forces and police remained deployed in the adjoining areas to prevent any law and order problem, they said.

Mobile internet of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been suspended in Tral to prevent rumours.