Three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in an overnight encounter with government forces in Kakapora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Thursday.
An army major was also wounded in the firefight that erupted late last night after militants fired on forces who were laying a siege to New Colony Kakapora.
“A joint nakka party of police, army and paramilitary forces observed some suspicion movement near New Colony Kakpora at around 8 pm. Forces cordoned off the area and launched searches to nab the militants,” said a police official.
“At around 9 pm, a contact was established with the hiding militants and the exchange of firing started.”
Reports said that three militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba were killed after forces blasted the house where they were hiding.
The slain militants were identified as Shariq and Majid of Kakapora and Shabir of Padgampora area of Awantipora in the Pulwama district.
Two rifles have been recovered from the encounter site.
Authorities on Thursday imposed restrictions in Kakapora, Awantipora and Pulwama town in the aftermath of killing of three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants in an encounter with government forces earlier today.
“Restrictions have been imposed in Kakapora, Awantipora and Pulwama town as a precautionary measure, in view of prevailing law and order situation,” said a statement, issued by District Magistrate Pulwama.
“Further the class work in Govt Degree Colleges and Higher Secondary School shall remain suspended today on 22 June 2017.”
Internet services were shut in the district last night after the encounter erupted in New Colony Kakapora.
Traffic was suspended on Kashmir highway at Awantipora on Thursday after massive protests erupted following the killing of three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants.
One of the militants, Sheeraz Ahmad Bhat, was a resident of Padgampora village of Awantipora.
Thousands of people, including women and children, have assembled in the village to take part in last rites of the slain militant.
