Srinagar, Jun 24 (KNS): Two militants including a Divisional Commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba and a local militant and a civilian were killed during an encounter in Chidder village of Qoimoh area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police said one militant who had joined militant ranks three months back was arrested alive.
Reports said that sleuths of SOG of Jammu and Kashmir police and army cordoned off Chidder village of Qoimoh area in Kulgam district and launched search operations during which militants hiding in a house fired upon the searching parties of government forces triggering an encounter. During exchange of fire two militants and a civilian were killed.
When contacted Director General Police Dr S P Vaid confirmed to KNS the killing of two militants and one civilian in the gunfight. He said “one divisional commander of LeT and one local militant was killed. A civilian was hit by a bullet during the exchange of fire but he succumbed to his injuries later. One militant who had joined militant ranks three months back was arrested alive.”
Meanwhile, PRO defence Rajesh Kalia told KNS “In pursuance of the policy of giving opportunity to local militants to shun the path of violence and resume normal life, the government forces motivated a local youth who had recently joined the militant ranks to surrender today in Kulgam during a fierce encounter, wherein, very heavy volume of fire was brought down on the government forces. Two militants were killed in the firefight. It is once again reiterated that all local militants will be given an opportunity to surrender during operations.” (KNS)