Jammu and Kashmir: Militant killed in Srinagar overnight encounter, op continues

Meanwhile, traffic from Baramulla, Sopore, Gulmarg and other areas towards Srinagar has been diverted via central Kashmir district of Badgam due to the encounter.

A CASO was launched by the troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF following a tip-off about the presence of militants at Umarabad Lawaypora on the city outskirts on Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway last evening.

However, when the security forces were moving towards the target area, militants hiding in a particular house, resorted to indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons. Security forces also retaliated, ensuing in an encounter, they said.

They said due to darkness and severe cold, the operation was halted though intermittent loud explosion and firing continued throughout the night. Security forces installed lights around particular house to keep a strict vigil and foil any attempt by militants to escape.

Additional security forces and police personnel were deployed in the nearby areas to prevent any law and order problem. There were also some stone pelting incidents in the area.

With the first light this morning, security forces launched an all out offensive against the hold up militants, they said adding heavy exchange of fire besides loud explosions continued for some time.

A militant was reportedly killed, they said, adding that the operation was going on when the reports last came in.

Residents of the area told UNI over the phone that large number of local people could not come to their homes after they were not allowed by security forces due to security reasons.

There were dozens of loud explosion besides heavy firing in the area, he said adding residents remained confined in their homes. He said the highway remained closed for traffic movement since last evening.