SRINAGAR: Three militants were killed and an Army soldier was reportedly martyred on Thursday in an encounter, which ensued when security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in forest area in Tral in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.
Two soldiers were also wounded in the exchange of fire. Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended in Pulwama to prevent spreading of rumours though intense clashes were reported from many parts of Tral.
Official sources said that following specific information about presence of militants, troops of Rashitriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint CASO in the woods at Gulshanpora, Tral, Awantipora in Pulwama this morning.
They said when the security forces were moving towards higher reaches, militants hiding there, opened fire. Security forces retaliated ensuing in an encounter.
They said three militants were killed in the encounter and as many soldiers were injured.
The injured were immediately taken to a hospital, where one of them reportedly succumbed, they said.
They said the operation is still going on in the area when the reports last came in.
Meanwhile, several persons were injured when security forces fired pellets and burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators, who hit the streets at several places in Tral after the news of the encounter between militants and security forces spread in the area. (AGENCIES)
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