Top JeM commander among 2 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K’s Shopian

Security personnel take position during a gunfight with militants in Heff Shermal village of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. (File Photo: IANS)


Two terrorists affiliated to the Jaish-e-Mohammed  (JeM) terror group were killed on Saturday in a gunfight with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, police said.

“Following a brief shoot out in the orchard area of Gahand village the two militants were killed. Their exact identities and affiliations are being ascertained,” an officer said.

IGP Kashmir SP Pani said the terrorists were affiliated to JeM. Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway.

A police officer has identified one of the terrorists as one top JeM commander Shahijahan Mir alias Umar Khitab of Amshipora.

Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the slain terrorists.

The gunfight broke out when the terrorists fired on the security forces as they were conducting a cordon and search operation.

Earlier, last week, two militants were shot dead in an encounter with the security forces in the same district.

Counter insurgency units of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and special operations group (SOG) of state police took the two down during a search operation in an orchard area in Parguchi village.

Hiding militants fired at the security forces triggering a brief gun battle in which both militants were killed.