Image Source: INDIA TODAY

A top Hizbul Mujahideen commander has been trapped by security forces in an ongoing encounter in South Kashmir’s Awantipora, officials said on Wednesday morning. A terrorist was killed in another gunbattle in Pulwama district on Wednesday. A joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army’s 55 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Beighpora in Awantipora of Kashmir late Tuesday night. The search operation began after the security agencies received a tip-off about presence of militants in Beighpora area. In Beighpora area of Awantipora, a senior police officer confirmed the exchange of fire between forces and militants. As per the sources, two-three militants are believed to be trapped inside, including top Hizbul commander Riyaz Naikoo. Internet has been blocked across south Kashmir as precautionary measure after ongoing encounter in Pulwama where Hizbul commander Riyaz Naikoo is believed trapped. Two separate operations are underway in Pulwama district since Tuesday night. In the other encounter, an unidentified terrorist has been killed. A terrorist was killed in the gunbattle in Sharshali Khrew area of Pulwama. Security forces also recovered one AK-56 rifle from the terrorist killed in the encounter, said police. Civilians from around 12 to 15 houses have been evacuated. After a lengthy search operation, a gunfight broke out between militants and security forces in Beighpora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district late Tuesday night. As the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot, militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has confirmed that the top commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen is trapped inside a building and exchange of fire is on. Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel have said, The gunbattle might continue further during the day till we clear the target area. Senior officers monitoring the situation since last night.