New Delhi: In an overnight encounter, four terrorists were killed by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Automatic weapons and warlike stores have been recovered from them. A search operation is still underway.

According to the army official, the gunfight started in Panjran area of Lassipora on Thursday when a joint team of Army’s 44 RR and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir launched a cordon and search operation. They had specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

One terrorist was killed and his body was recovered after the initial exchange of fire last night, while three more were hiding in a residential house which was blasted off by security personnel. 

As per sources, two of the slain terrorists were former Special Police Officers (SPO) who turned towards extremism. It is suspected that terrorists were associated with banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The dead terrorists have been identified as Ashiq Ahmad of Panjran Pulwama, Imran Ahmad of Arihal Pulwama, Shabir Ahmad of Tujan Pulwama (Deserted Spo) and Salman Khan of Uthmula Keegam Shopian (Deserted Spo). 

Three AK series rifles were also seized from the spot. The authorities have already snapped internet services in the district.