Militants who snatched rifle in Kupwara killed in encounter

Kupwara, Jun. 18 (KNB): The Hizb militants who snatched a rifle from a policeman on Tuesday were today killed in a gun battle with government forces in Khumriyal area of Lolab in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The militants have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad and Bilal Ahmad Shah.
According to official, security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in Kupwara district on Thursday following information about the presence of militants in the area.
Hiding militants opened heavy firing on Search operation which trigged gunfight in which two militants have been killed,” he said, adding that two rifles were recovered from their possession.
Security forces have adopted a proactive approach setting up check barriers at various places across the valley including the summer capital of the state.
Police and other security agencies were carrying out random checks of vehicles entering the city at various places including city.
Earlier, on Tuesday the slain duo snatched an Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifle from constable Mohammad Ishaq at Kurhama area of Lolab in the north Kashmir district. (KNB)