Srinagar: A Deputy Superintendent rank officer of Jammu and Kashmir Police was killed in an ongoing gunfight in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

The officer was identified as Aman Thakur, who along with his team was carrying out search and cordon operation at Tundigam area of Kulgam.

According to the security forces, the exchange of gunfire is still on and it is believed that three militants are trapped in the area. Sources claim that they have successfully neutralised one of the terrorists but his identity is yet to be ascertained. 

There were initial reports suggesting that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants were hiding in the area. The joint team of army, CRPF, and SOG had cordoned off the area and intensified searches. The hiding militants fired upon security forces and triggered a gunfight.

Sources told MyNation that the DSP, who was in-charge operations and sustained bullet injuries in the head and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. 
An injured Army Major has also been shifted to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, said the officials.

The death of DSP came just a few days after Jaish-e-Mohammed’s top three commanders were killed in a fierce gunbattle in Pinglana village of Pulwama. The encounter also claimed the lives of five soldiers, including a Major.