Shopian: Two terrorists have been neutralised in the encounter which broke out between terrorists and security forces in Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district earlier this morning. Army, the Central Reserve Police Force and Shopian Police are present at the spot. According to reports, top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba are trapped in the area. The security forces have launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

No loss of life or injuries has been reported so far. However, a brief exchange of fire was reported as the security forces approached towards the suspected spot after getting intel on militants’ presence in the area. Reinforcement team has rushed to the spot. Operation is underway.

In a similar encounter on Thursday, one militant was neutralised by security forces during an encounter in Shopian district. During the encounter, a security personnel and a civilian also lost their lives. Before the encounter broke out in Pinjoora area, several people were injured when security personnel used batons and fired pellets to disperse a violent mob which pelted stones on the forces during the cordon and search operation, they said.

The operation was launched following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. As the security forces were carrying out the searches, a mob tried to disrupt the operation by pelting stones on them, the official said. He said the security forces chased the miscreants using batons and firing pellets, resulting in injuries to several persons.

Meanwhile, the militants opened firing at security forces, who retaliated. In the ensuing encounter, one militant was gunned down while a security force personnel also died, the official said, adding one civilian also lost his life. He said the cause of the death of civilian was being ascertained. The operation was in progress when reports last came in.