Srinagar, August 21: The security forces on Wednesday gunned down one terrorist in an encounter with militants in Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir. According to a tweet by ANI, one Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir police was killed while another cop was injured in the encounter. Reports informed that the martyred SPO has been identified by the police as Billal. Reports inform that the brief gunfight between the security forces and terrorists had begun on Tuesday night and concluded on Wednesday morning.  Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Pulwama.

According to reports, the J&K Police informed that the encounter had concluded. "Encounter is over. One terrorist killed. Identity being ascertained. Arms and ammunition recovered. Our colleague SPO Billal attained martyrdom. SI Amardeep Parihar injured in the incident is being treated at Army Hospital," the J&K police said.

Acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants in the area, security forces launched a cordon and search operation there during the night. During the search operation, militants fired upon them. The forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter. According to reports, it is the first gunfight reported since the abrogation of Article 370 from the erstwhile state.

Here's the tweet:

The encounter comes nearly a fortnight after the Centre announced its move to abolish the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir. On August 5, the government abrogated the special status of the state under Article 370 of the Constitution and divide the state into two Union Territories. Before the move was announced, the government deployed additional security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2019 08:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).