Six militants killed in two gunfights in Kashmir Valley (Intro Roundup)

Six militants were killed on Thursday in two separate gunfights with security forces in the Kashmir Valley, police said. While two were killed in Baramulla, four died in Anantnag.

Security personnel surrounded Athoora village in north Kashmir's Baramulla district after receiving information about the presence of militants there.

"As the security forces surrounded the hiding militants, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter in which two militants were killed," a police officer said.

The security forces did not suffer any casualty in the operation. The exact identity and the group affiliation of the slain militants were being ascertained although both appeared to be locals, the officer said.

In the evening, security forces started a cordon and search operation in Arwani village in south Kashmir's Anantnag district after learning that some militants had taken shelter there.

When challenged, the militants fired at the security forces, provoking a gun battle in which four militants were killed, police said.

"One of the slain militants has been identified as Sahil Makroo of Arwani village while the identity of the other three slain militants is being ascertained," an officer said. "Three AK-47 rifles have been recovered from the militants."

Youths started stone pelting at the security forces after the Arwani village gunfight started in a bid to disrupt the operation.

Security forces used tear smoke to disperse the mob. No casualty was reported during the clashes with the protesters.

--IANS

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