The security forces have launched a major cordon and search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The CASO was launched on Monday night after a tip about the presence of militants in Zainapora in Bomai Sopore area of the district. 

Earlier in the day, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen K J S Dhillon, told a press conference that the security forces have killed 18 militants, including Jaish-e-Mohammed’s second-in-command, over 21 days. 

“We have gone very forcefully after the JeM, and we have reasonably succeeded in our aim of eliminating them at the earliest so that they are not able to carry out a Pulwama-like attack,” he said.

Of the 18 militants killed, 14 belonged to JeM including its "six main commanders", the Lt Gen., flanked by IGP Kashmir S P Pani and IG CRPF Zulfiqar Hassan, said.

"We have also eliminated JeM's second-in-command Mudasir Khan, the main conspirator in the attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14. He was active for more than a year," he said.

Of the militants killed, eight were from Pakistan and 10 were locals, including two each of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)