2 militants killed in encounter with security forces in J&K

Srinagar: Two unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Chakura area of Shopian district following information about the presence of militants there, a police officer said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire at security forces' positions.

He said two militants have been killed in the operation. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants were being ascertained. Meanwhile, two security force personnel, including a jawan of the SSB, have gone missing along with some weapons and ammunition from Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district, officials said here on Wednesday.

A special police officer, identified as Altaf Hussain, was reported missing from the camp of a special operations group at Chadoora, the officials said. Two AK rifles and three magazines have also gone missing from the camp, the officials said, adding the matter is being investigated.

In another incident, a constable of the SSB -- also named Altaf Hussain -- has gone missing from the camp at Nagam area, near Chadoora. One magazine of INSAS rifle and 20 rounds have been reported missing from the SSB camp, the officials said.

While the SPO is a local from Chadoora area, the SSB constable hails from Koteranka area of Rajouri district.