Encounter in Srinagar: 3 TRF militants killed

Slain militants were involved in killing of a sarpanch last week

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ITDC NEWS R Three militants of The Resistance Front (TRF) were killed in an encounter with security forces at Nowgam in Srinagar on Wednesday.

The encounter started after security forces cordoned off the area following inputs about the presence of militants there.

During search operations in the area, the hiding militants opened fire and in the ensuing encounter, the militants were killed.According to inspector general of police Vijay Kumar, the slain militants were involved in the killing of a sarpanch, Sameer Bhat, on March 9.

Bhat was critically injured after being shot twice with a pistol in the chest. He succumbed to the injuries despite being operated upon in SMHS hospital in Srinagar.

Of late, militants have intensified attacks on sarpanchs, and the police have moved several sarpanchs to safer locations.

The attacks on sarpanchs have increased after the recent statement of Home Minister Amit Shah that elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in the next six-to-eight months.

Legislature elections have not been held in the Union territory after Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its statehood and limited autonomy due to revocation of Article 370 by the BJP-led government at the Centre.