Three militants killed as Hapatnar gunfight ends
Qayoom Khan
Srinagar, Jan 21 : Three militant of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit were killed in an encounter at Hapatnar woods in Charar-e-Shareef area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday.
A senior police officer told GNS that a joint team of army’s 53 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in forest area of Hapatnar today early in the morning following “credible inputs” about the presence of some militants.
As the joint team of forces intensified the combing operation, the militants hiding in the area opened fire triggering off a gunfight which continued intermittently till late in the evening.
During the course of gunfight, three militants belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen outfit were killed, he said.
The operation was prolonged due to the tough terrain amid inclement weather conditions, the officer said.
“So far one body has been recovered along with arms and ammunition the other two bodies which are lying inside the hideout are yet to be retrieved,” the officer said.
The identity of the slain is being ascertained, the officer said.
The officer said that the government forces have also blasted the hideout of the militants in the mountainous area, covered under plenty of snow.
Meanwhile, sources identified one among the slain Shahid Baba of Drabgam, Pulwama. (GNS)
