SRINAGAR: Five terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kiloora area of Shopian district in South Kashmir on Saturday morning. Later, clashes broke out between security forces and local protesters during the terrorists’ funeral, where dreaded Pakistani terrorist Naveed Jatt, who had escaped from prison, showed up.

The slain terrorists have been identified as Arshad Ahmad of Ganowpora Balpora, Waqar Ahmad Sheikh of Malikgund, Aijaz Ahmad Paul of Lousdanew, Umar Malik of Malikgund (all from Shopian) and Arif Ahmad of Yannar village in Pahalgam of Anantnag district.

Thousands of people, including gun-wielding local and Pakistani LeT terrorists, joined the funeral of the slain militants in Shopian. Naveed Jatt was seen at the funeral site, where the crowds gave gun salute to the slain militants, sources said. Many people in the crowd were seen hugging and kissing the Pakistani terrorist, they added.

During the funeral of Arif, the slain terrorist from Pahalgam, locals clashed with security forces. One civilian was killed and several others were injured in the clashes. Sources said clashes broke out in Yannar village after the news of the death of Arif reached there. Village youths pelted stones at the forces, who retaliated by firing teargas shells and pellets.

In a statement, HM chief Syed Salahuddin said, “Our bravehearts are sacrificing their lives for the freedom of the nation. These brave sons of the soil are rendering invaluable sacrifices while leaving lives of luxury. We are indebted to safeguard these sacrifices.”

According to the police, security forces had zeroed in on the terrorists late last night. During search operation on Saturday morning, the militants holed up in a house in Kiloora area opened fire, triggering the encounter.

