J&K: Two foreign militants holed up in Bandipora, encounter with security forces underway

Two policemen, including an officer, were injured in a grenade attack by militants in Sopore township of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

Photo for representational purpose only.

SRINAGAR: Three encounters --two in Baramulla, one in Bandipora-- broke out between militants and security forces on Thursday morning in Jammu and Kashmir. Two foreign militants are holed up in Hajjin locality of Bandipora district in north Kashmir. The encounter between security forces and militants broke out between the security forces and hiding militants after a cordon and search operation was launched in the area. According to reports, the ultras had taken eight persons hostage in the house they are holed up, out of which six have been rescued by the forces but two were still inside. "Security forces are carrying out the operation with caution as two civilians are reportedly inside the house from where the militants are firing at the security forces," a police officer said. Hajin was once considered a zone "liberated" from militant control. The contingent of security forces comprised units of Army's 13 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF's 45 Battalion and SOG. Meanwhile, two policemen, including an officer, were injured when militants attacked the security forces with a grenade in Sopore area of Baramulla district. Militants lobbed a grenade at a security forces party at Main Chowk Sopore in the north Kashmir district. According to PTI, two policemen, including the station house officer of Dangiwacha police station, sustained minor injuries in the explosion. The injured have been hospitalised. Security forces have cordoned off the area and a search has been launched to nab the attackers. Another encounter was underway in the Kalantara area of Kreeri in north Kashmir district of Baramulla. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation there following information about the presence of militants. The ultras opened firing on security forces, who retaliated, triggering a gun battle. There were no reports of any casualties so far.