Security forces gunned down four militants in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and another militant in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday. The militants were killed in encounters, which began in the morning and are still underway.

The number of militants killed so far this year in Jammu and Kashmir crossed 200 mark on Thursday, the state’s Director General of Police SP Vaid said on Twitter.

Budgam

The government forces had surrounded Phutlipora village in Pakharpora of Budgam district based on information about the presence of militants in the area, an official told IANS. When they were surrounding the area, the militants began firing at the security forces, triggering the gunfight, a police officer said.

Meanwhile, when an army convoy was carrying reinforcements to Phutlipora village, a mob reportedly pelted stones at the vehicle. A teenager was injured in the clash and has been shifted to a hospital now.

Authorities have suspended internet services in the district to prevent the spreading of rumours.

Baramulla

In another encounter between militants and government security forces in Sagipora forest area of Sopore in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday, one militant was killed and an Army personnel was injured. This operation is also ongoing.