Two security personnel lost their lives while two others injured in an encounter with militants at Paribal village in Hajin, Bandipora after army and police launched an operation on Wednesday morning. Two militants believed to affiliated with Lashkar also killed in the encounter. The army and police launched Cordon and Search Operation around Paribal village after they received information about presence of militants in the area. The encounter is still on.

Officials said while the operation was underway, militants hiding in a house opened fire on the search party, killing two Air Force Garud personnel and leaving two army jawans of 13 RR injured. Later two militants also killed in the gun fight.

Operation in Hajin, Bandipur

Defense spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia confirmed the killing of two militants and said the operation is still in progress.  Confirming the killing of two Garud personnel as well, the army spokesman said, ”In an intense operation this morning in Hajin, Bandipur, two terrorists killed. Two air force Garud personnel martyred in the action. The Garud personnel were operating with the army for operational experience and training.”

The injured have shifted to 92 Base hospital for further treatment, Director General of Press Information Bureau K S Dhatwalia informed.

From past two weeks, forces have launched several operations in and around Hajin town to track down the militants who, according to police, are hiding in the area. The operation against militants has stepped up after the killing of a BSF soldier at Parray mollah last month. The soldier on leave when he was killed.