Jammu and Kashmir: 4 terrorists shot dead; 10 killed over last 3 days

The Jammu and Kashmir police said it killed four newly recruited militants in two separate encounters in Srinagar and Awantipora in the wee hours of Friday, including those involved in the killing of social media star Amreen Bhat earlier this week.

In the past three days armed forces have killed ten militants in Kashmir, taking the total number of militants killed this year to about 87.

"Ten terrorists including three from JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed) and seven from LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) terror outfits killed in three days in Kashmir. Heinous murder case of late Ambreen Bhat solved in 24 hours," said inspector general of police in Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.


The two militants killed in the encounter in Aganhanjipora area of Awantipora in Pulwama district were identified as Shahid Mushtaq Bhat of Chadoora area in Budgam and Farhan Habib of Hakripora village in Pulwama. Police said the duo had freshly joined the militant ranks of LeT.

"They had killed the TV artist on the instruction of LeT commander Lateef. One AK 56 rifle, four magazines and a pistol (were) recovered," said Kumar.

According to army officials, the exchange of fire started around 9:30 pm on Thursday and the two militants were killed by around 2:15 am on Friday.

In another encounter, in Soura area of Srinagar, two militants identified as Shakir Ahmed Waza and Afreen Aftab Malik, both residents of Trenz village of Shopian in southern Kashmir, were killed, according to police. "They were categorised as 'C'. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition recovered," said Kumar.

The recent spate of targeted killings of civilians, policemen and minority community members remains a major challenge for the security grid that is now preparing for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra,

Meanwhile, former CMs Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti paid a visit to the residence of Bhat.