Kulgam, Dec 22: Two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants surrendered on Tuesday in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

The police claimed that surrendered militants were involved in killing of PSO of PDP leader in Natipora Srinagar.

On December 14, PSO of PDP leader Parvaiz Ahmad was killed by suspected militants in Natipora area of Srinagar.

As per police source, following inputs about the presence of militants, a cordon and search operation was launched by joint forces in village Tangdoona of Kulgam district in the early hours on Tuesday.

However, contact was established with the militants hiding in the area and they were appealed by their families to surrender.

According to police after the initial exchange of fire, the militants belonging to LeT surrendered.  

The militants have been identified as Aamir Ahmad Mir resident of Hatipora Kulgam and Yawar Ahmad Wagay resident of Reban Shopian.

An official stated that there was a militant hideout inside the target house which was later destroyed. 

“One AK-47 rifle, two pistols and a few grenades besides some incriminating materials were also recovered,” he said.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said this year has been successful as many militants are returning and has reiterated his appeal to shun the “path of violence”.

In a statement police declared that so far 12 militants have been successfully persuaded to surrender during live encounters.