Security forces launch a cordon and search operation in the Melhora area

Four militants were killed by security forces in a village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday. “The identities of the militants are being ascertained,” the police said.

The militants were encircled during a search and cordon operation at Melhora village on Tuesday evening. “The operation was launched after a tip-off. The militants opened fire on the search party, triggering a gunfight,” said the police.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Army, the police and the Central Reserve Police Force.

DNA samples taken: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said, “We have taken DNA samples of the killed militants. We are conducting their burial in the presence of a magistrate. So far, the family of one of them has came forward. We will show them. If they identify, then two to three family members will be permitted to participate in the burial. Those who make the claim later, their DNA samples will taken for further course of action.”

The IGP did not disclose the identity of the outfits the militants belonged to.

However, police sources said it was a joint group of the Lashkar-e-Taiba , the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.