*SRINAGAR – *Three fighters including top Hizbul Mujahideen commandersTariq Molvi alias Mufti Wakas and Lateef Tiger, have reportedly beenmartyred in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir’s Shopian.
Tiger was the last surviving militant of Burhan Wani’s group, sourcesadded.
The third fighter has been identified as Sharik Ahmad Nengroo of ChotigamShopian.
Two AK 47 rifles and a Self-Loading Rifle has been recovered from the area.Search and cordon operation is underway.
An exchange of fire took place between fighters and security forces inAdkhara area of Imam Sahib of Shopian district on Friday morning.
“Brief exchange of firing between Security forces and fighters in Shopian.The area is under cordon. Information is preliminary in nature,” said thepolice.
A joint team of 34RR and Special Operations Group (SOG) launched anoperation in Imam Sahib following inputs on the presence of militants inthe area.
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The internet has been suspended in the area. Railway services for SouthKashmir was also put on hold.
Shopian is one of the worst violence-hit districts in the state followingthe death of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani during an encounter in July 2016.Shopian falls under Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency which is going topolls on Monday, May 6.
Last week, security forces killed two more Hizbul fighters in an encounterin Anantnag district. The militants were identified as Safder Amin Bhat(25) and Burhan Ahmad Ganie (25). Bhat, a Class 9 passout, joined HizbulMujahideen in May 2017. Ganie, also know as Saifullah, was pursuingBachelor of Physiotherapy and had been a member of the outfit since June2018.
Over the last three years, security forces have killed more than 450fighters but locals continue to sign up for militancy. (PTK)