An official said that a joint team of Police and Army’s 50RR had laid a Naka in Dougam village of Kakapora.

During Naka a group of militants were intercepted who fired upon the Naka party leading to a brief exchange of fire, he said.

“In the ensuing exchange of firing one militant was killed on the spot while others managed to escape taking advantage of darkness,” said an official.

The slain militant has been identified Showkat Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, a resident of Padgampora area of Awantipora. Showkat had joined Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TUM) militant outfit a few days ago. He was a student of B-pharmacy at Kashmir University.

Meanwhile, the whole area has been cordoned off to nab other fleeing militants. (Agencies)