2 militants killed in Handwara gunfight

Handwara : Two militants were killed in Galoora Langate area of North Kashmir’s Handwara town in a pre-dawn gunfight.
Police said that Government Forces launched a cordon and search operation after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in Galoora area.
A Police official said during the searches, militants fired on the search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter two militants were killed who were identified as Furqan Rashid Lone alias Adil and Liyaqat Ahmad Lone alias Sahaba alias Umar Khalid.
Furqan Rashid Lone alias Adil son of Abdul Rashid according to police official was a resident of Shartpora, Langate and was affiliated with militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. He was wanted in a number of criminal cases registered at Police Station Handwara vide number FIR No. 271/2016 U/S 148, 149, 307, 436, 332 RPC of Police Station Handwara; FIR No.334/2016 U/S 148,149,307,436, 332 RPC of Police Station Handwara; FIR No.357/2017 U/S 120RPC, 18 ULA of Police Station Handwara.
Liyaqat Ahmad Lone alias Sahaba alias Umar Khalid was resident of Harwan, Sopore and was affiliated with militant outfit LeT.
Police spokesperson said that Liyakat had a long history of involvement in militant related activities and was wanted in a number of cases FIR No. 45/2016 under section 18b, 20 ULA of Police Station Bomia.
Liyaqat along with other LeT militants Abdul Gani Khawaja resident of Kralgund and Majid Mir resident of Nowpora Sopore are involved in case FIR No.70/2018 under section 307 RPC, 7/27 Arms Act of Police Station Bomai regarding the murder of Hakim-ur-Rehman Sultani resident of Bomai Sopore.
The police official said that arms and ammunition was also recovered from the site of encounter. “Police has registered a case in this regard and the investigation has been initiated in the instant matter.”
Reports said that shortly after the killing of two militants, authorities suspended internet service in parts of Langate and Handwara. Reports added that protests broke out after the culmination of encounter. A large number of youth pelted stones on Government Forces personnel who retaliated with tear-smoke shells. Witnesses said that clashes continued for hours.
Thousands of people participated in the funeral procession of these two slain militants. They were rested amid pro-freedom slogans.