Srinagar, November 18: At least two militants were killed in a gunfight which erupted in South Kashmir's Shopian district in the early hours of Sunday, said the statement issued by the Jammu & Kashmir police. No collateral damage was reported in the encounter, which came hours after Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists killed a 19-year-old youth, suspecting him to be an Army informer.

The militants eliminated in the encounter today have been identified as Nawaz Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Rebban Zainapora and Yawar Wani, a resident of Batnoor Litter Pulwama. Both belonged to the insurgent group Al Badr. Terrorists Slit Throat of Youth in Shopian, Second Killing in 36 Hours.

Based on credible inputs about the presence of militants, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at the crack of dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district.

According to a J&K police spokesperson, the security forces were fired upon by the hiding militants during the search operation. This led to a cross-exchange of fire which lasted for a few minutes till they were neutralised.

"They were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badar. Both the killed terrorists were involved in a series of terror attacks on security establishments and many other civilian atrocities in the area," the spokesman was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The forces have also seized arms and ammunition from the site of encounter.

On Saturday, Hizbul terrorists had kidnapped three youths in Shopian region, suspecting them to be "informers". One among them, identified as Nadeem Manzoor, was found dead with a volley of bullets pumped into his body.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 18, 2018 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).