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Two militants killed in Tahab, internet services shut down, clashes erupt

Srinagar: Two militants, reportedly from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen were killed in a gunfight with the Indian Armed Forces in Tahab area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Sunday.

Hizb-ul-Mujahideen , founded by Muhammad Ahsan Dar in September 1989, is a Kashmiri resistance and designated Islamic militant group, active in the state of Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. The current commander of the group is a Sayeed Salahudeen.

The encounter started after police and army launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tahab area of Pulwama around 5 a.m., according to a report in a newspaper, and an online media agency, Hindustan Times.

Internet services were suspended in Pulwama district of south Kashmir following the killing of two militants in a shootout in Tahab village early Sunday.

“The exchange of fire began today morning after militants tried to flee. Two militants were killed in the operation,” the report said.

Director General of police SP Vaid also confirmed the killings of two militants on his Twitter handle.

A report in a daily newspaper, based in Srinagar, Greater Kashmir, identified the slain militants as Shariq Ahmad Sheikh of Takuna Pulwama and Shabir Mir of Mihind village of Anantnag.

However, there was no official confirmation on the identities so far.

As the word spread, people took to streets in Samboora and Tahab to protest the killings. In Samboora, reports said that forces resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protesters.

Army spokesman Rajesh Kalia said that two militants have been killed so far. “The operation is still in progress,” he said.

Neither the police not the army have yet revealed the identity of the militants.

The encounter comes after three militants were killed when security forces foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control in Gurez sector of north Kashmir on Thursday.

Three militants were killed in an encounter after security forces stormed a forest area in south Kashmir’s Tral in Pulwama district on July 15.

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