Srinagar, Nov 12 (KNS): At least three militants including a district commander of HM outfit were killed in two separate encounters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district and central Kashmir’s Srinagar district, police said here on Friday.
In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a spokesperson said that acting on specific inputs provided by Kulgam and Srinagar police regarding presence of militants in Kulgam and Srinagar, two anti-militancy operations were carried out in which three militants were neutralised which include district commander of HM.
The statement reads that in Chancer Chawalgam area of Kulgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 9RR and 18Bn CRPF and during the search operation, as the presence of militants got ascertained, they were given opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party.
“The joint teams ensuring safety of civilians rescued and shifted all the civilians to safer places. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter,” it reads.
It reads that in the initial exchange of fire, although one militant was killed, however, due to darkness the operation remained suspended throughout the night.
“In the wee hours, repeated announcements were again made to the hiding militant to surrender, but he again fired on joint search party which was retaliated leading to the elimination of the hiding militant. The bodies of both the militants were retrieved from the site of encounter,” it reads.
The statement reads that they have been identified as operational commander of HM, Shiraz Ahmad alias Shiraz Molvi alias Abu Haris resident of Souch Kulgam and Yawar Ahmad Bhat resident of Ponipora Kulgam. “As per police records both were linked with HM.”
It reads that as per police records, both the duo was part of groups involved in several militancy related crimes including attack on security forces and civilian atrocities.
“Pertinently, Shiraz Molvi was an A++ categorized militant and was active since year 2016 figuring among the list of most wanted militants. He was also involved in recruiting innocent youth into militant ranks and in spreading a reign of terror by killing civilians as well as political workers in Devsar and Brazloo areas of Kulgam. There are 15 FIRs registered against him for several terror crimes.”
It also reads that moreover, acting on specific input about possible militant attack and movement of militants in Bemina area, a joint checkpoint was established to thwart such evil designs.
“In the mean time, militants attacked on a checkpoint established near Bund Bemina which was retaliated leading to an encounter. The further reinforcement was rushed to the spot, 2RR and Valley QRT CRPF also joined the operation. In the ensuing encounter, one militant of Mujahideen Gazwatul Hind outfit was eliminated and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter. He has been identified as Amir Riyaz resident of Khrew Pampore,” it reads.
It reads that the slain was a relative of one of the accused militant of Lethpora terror attack and preliminary investigation indicated that he was assigned to carry out similar kind of fidayeen attack.
“Digital evidences recovered from his mobile show that he was prepared by militant outfit for fidayeen attack. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition including 01 AK-rifle & a Pistol from Kulgam encounter site and 01 AK-rifle from Bemina encounter site were also recovered. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of law and investigations have been initiated,” it reads.
Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated the joint teams for carrying out both the operations in professional manner resulting in elimination of three militants including a most wanted militant.
He also congratulated Police and security forces for working with great synergy and coordination on the ground that lead to the elimination of 133 militants including many top commanders during this year. (KNS)