Kulgam, February 10 (KNO) : One more body was recovered from the gunfight site at Kellam area of Kulgam, taking the death toll of slain militants in an encounter to five. The gunfight broke out between forces and militants in the wee hours of this morning.
Official sources told KNO that with another body recovered, death toll in the gunfight has reached five. Earlier four militants bodies were recovered from the gunfight site.
Pertinently, forces had launched Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) by 9 RR and SOG Kulgam in the area after receiving specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area.
As the search was intensified, the hiding militants fired upon forces which was retaliated triggered gunfight and exchange of fire is going on.
Sources informed KNO that all the slain militants are believed to be locals and were affiliated with Hizb. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard.
Sources added that arms and ammunition were recovered from the spot. Moreover, clashes that erupted soon after the encounter broke out in the village were still going on.
Sources said scores of youth sustained injuries during the clashes since morning during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the agitating youth.
Heavy clashes were going on in the area when the report was last filed. Meanwhile authorities have snapped mobile internet services in the district. (KNO)