Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 14: Three militants were killed today following an overnight gunbattle with security forces in Baramulla district.
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Commander of the Army’s 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Sanjay Kannoth said that security forces had been receiving inputs about the movement of militants in Kreeri. He termed the operation as a “significant success” ahead of the Assembly elections.
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“Last night, we received specific intelligence from intelligence agencies about the presence of some unidentified terrorists in Chak Tapar/Watargam,” he said, adding that a cordon was established at the suspected location.
“Our columns were fired upon by the terrorists hiding in a disused building. As per the Standard Operating Procedures, we returned the fire. The location was cordoned and reinforcements were inducted,” the Commander said.
He said the militants continued with incessant heavy firing on the troops throughout the night which was effectively countered.
“The operation continued in the morning when our troops in a very professional manner engaged the terrorists and neutralised them without any collateral damage to civilian life and property,” the Army officer added.
In the operation, Brigadier said three hardcore militants were neutralised and a large quantity of war-like stores were recovered.
The officer said keeping in view the forthcoming sensitive events in Jammu and Kashmir, “this operation assumes significant importance and is a notable success for the security forces and a disruption of nefarious Pakistani design in Kashmir”.
The killed militants have been identified as Bilal Ahmad Wani son of Habibullah Wani of Kaschan Ganderbal who was missing since May 7 this year, Mahir Ahmad Wani son of Shamshad Ahmad Wani of Kaschan Ganderbal and he was also missing since May 7 this year and Junaid Mushtaq Reshi son of Mushtaq Ahmad Reshi of Shopian who was missing since April 16 this year.
Earlier, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdhi told reporters that nobody will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Kashmir.
He also said security forces had received a specific lead about the presence of militants present in Tappar area of Baramulla late on Friday evening, after which a joint cordon was laid.
“As the forces closed in on the terrorists, they came under heavy fire leading to the encounter. During the night long gunfight, three terrorists were killed,” he said.
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