Two militants were killed in an ongoing gunfight with the government forces in Shirmal area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, even as massive clashes erupted after locals tried to march towards the site of the gunfight.
Reports said that the gunfight broke out today morning after a joint party of the army and the state police launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Shirmal village following inputs about the presence of militants.
They said the militants opened fire on the forces after the latter fired several shots towards their hideout located in an orchard in the village.
A source said that two militants were killed in the shootout, adding that more militants are believed to be trapped inside the hideout.
However, there was no official confirmation on the militant casualties yet.
On Twitter, police confirmed an exchange of fire between the militants and the forces.
Meanwhile, massive clashes erupted after the residents came out of their houses and tried to march towards the site of the gunfight.
The residents pelted the forces with stones who responded by firing tear gas.
Further details are awaited.
