A local militant was killed by security forces in a shootout that ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on the outskirts of summer capital Srinagar on Wednesday, security officials said. 

A police spokesman said this morning that on a tip-off about the presence of militants, troops of Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint CASO at Wagoora, Nowgam in the city outskirts late Tuesday night, IBNS reported. 

However, when the security forces were sealing the area and moving towards a particular area, militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons, he said, adding the fire was returned ensuing in an encounter.

Additional security forces were rushed and deployed outside the cordoned off area to prevent militants to escape under the cover of darkness.

This morning with the first light, security forces launched a major offensive, he said, adding there was firing from militants hiding there.

Official sources said in the exchange of fire, a militant identified as Uzair Ashraf Dar, son of Mohammad Ashraf Dar, resident of Zainapora, Shopian. was killed. Uzair has joined militants in January this year. One pistol with magazine and six rounds and two grenades were recovered near the site of encounter.(SAM)