Security forces killed two suspected militants during a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag city on Wednesday. The Kashmir Zone Police said the militants were part of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and their identities are being verified.

A contingent of the Army joined by the Special Operations Group of police and Central Reserve Police Force launched a cordon and search operation at Mehmaan Mohalla in Anantnag’s Lal Chowk on Wednesday morning, Kashmir Reader reported. Director General of Police SP Vaid said the encounter began after they received “specific input” of two LeT militants trapped in the area.

An unidentified police officer told Greater Kashmir that militants, who were hiding in a house in the area, opened fire at security forces as they approached, triggering a gunfight.

Mobile internet services were suspended in Anantnag district while train services were suspended across south Kashmir in view of the gunfight.

Several youngsters hurled stones at government forces trying foil protests during the encounter operation in Lazibal, Kadipora, Chee and other neighbourhoods of Lal Chowk.

Meanwhile, in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, suspected militants and security forces exchanged fire in Keran sector on Wednesday, reported Greater Kashmir. An unidentified police officer said a group of militants opened fire when they were spotted by the forces near the Line of Control.