Death toll rises to 19 in ongoing encounter in Kupwara in Kashmir valley

– The death toll in the ongoing encounter that began on 20th March between militants and security forces in the forest area of Kupwara district in North Kashmir has risen to 19. Five more militants and four soldiers were killed as gunbattles between security forces and militants ensconced in dense forests raged on for the fourth day on Monday in J&K’s Kupwara district.Four soldiers including Major Mohit Sharma were killed in the Hafrada forest on Saturday.

"Five militants and four soldiers were killed in the fresh gunfight between the two sides in Shamshabari ranges of Kupwara district," army spokesperson Lt Col J S Brar told reporters at Srinagar on Monday.

Five militants were killed on Monday taking the death toll of militants to eleven, he said, adding the operation was still on.

"A thorough combing operation is in progress and it is expected that a few more militants may be holed up in the area which includes an isolated house," the spokesman said.
Defence sources said the encounter took place after the security forces were informed that a group of militants had gone to the forest area "to receive a bunch of ultras infiltrating from across the border".

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