Two militants killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian; clashes ensue after civilians pelt stones at security forces

Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, a day after three unidentified militants were killed in the state’s Budgam district. According to reports, local residents began to pelt stones at the security forces after the militants were killed in Shopian’s Zainapora area. Several civilians are believed to have been injured in the clashes that ensued. [caption id=“attachment_5245031” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] The encounter in Shopian began as security forces were carrying out a cordon and search operation. There are conflicting reports on the number of militants believed to be in hiding in Zainapora. The three militants killed in Budgam’s Hapatnaar area on Monday were gunned down in a similar operation, when the mission turned into a gun battle after the militants opened fire on the security forces. Officials have not ascertained their identity and affiliation yet. There were reports of stone pelting from some parts of Budgam and Pulwama districts on Monday, as well. Authorities also suspended internet services in some areas as a precautionary measure. With inputs from agencies