Shopian shootout: Jaish commander among two militants killed

Shopian: A top Jaish-e-Muhammad militant was killed along with his aide in a brief shootout at Gahind area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday even as 20 protesters sustained injuries during post gunfight clashes.
Reports said acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Army’s 34 RR and SOG launched a cordon and search operation in an orchard at Gahind area of Shopian.
A senior police officer said that the cordon was launched following credible input about the presence of some militants in the area. “Soon after the joint team of forces arrived in the area, the militant opened indiscriminate fire which was retaliated leading to a brief shootout,” he said wishing anonymity.
During the gunfight two militants were killed and they were identified as Abid Wagay and Jaish-e-Muhammad, the top commander of the outfit. Police said that the duo were involved in the killing of SPO Khusboo. IGP Kashmir SP Pani said that the slain militants were affiliated with Jaish outfit.
The encounter triggers massive clashes between forces and the youth in which 20 protesters sustained injuries many of them with pellets. They were shifted to nearby medical facility. Meanwhile, thousands of people assembled at native village of slain militants participate in the funeral while as a group of militants also offered gun salute as well.