Kashmir: Three LeT militants, jawan killed in ongoing Pulwama encounter

According to the official, following specific information about the presence of militants in village Hanjin Rajpora in Pulwama, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), CRPF and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) late Thursday night.

“After sealing all exit points, when the security forces were moving towards the targeted house, militants hiding there opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons,” he said.

Two soldiers of 44 RR were injured in the initial firing by militants, he said, adding one of the wounded jawan, identified as Havaldar Kashi Rao, later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

He said the security forces retaliated ensuing in an encounter, adding three LeT militants were killed in the exchange of fire.

“The operation was still going on when the reports last came in,” he added.

Additional security forces remained deployed in adjoining areas to maintain law and order, the official said.

Meanwhile, internet service of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has been suspended in the district as a precautionary measure to prevent rumours.

As many as 61 militants, including top commanders, were killed by security forces in different encounters in the valley during the first six months of 2021.