2 JeM militants killed in Kulgam encounter

Security personnel at the encounter site at Khurbatpora in Kulgam on Monday. —Excelsior/Sajad Dar
Security personnel at the encounter site at Khurbatpora in Kulgam on Monday. —Excelsior/Sajad Dar

3 LeT militants arrested in Baramulla

Fayaz Bukhari

Srinagar, Apr 11 : Two militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) including a foreigner were killed and as many policemen injured in a gunfight at Khurbatpora area of Kulgam district this evening while three militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were arrested from Baramulla district today.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said that two militants including a Pakistani national were killed in an encounter in Kulgam district this evening.
He said that the operation was launched in the area after specific information about the presence of militants who fled last week during a brief shoot-out at Chaki Samad area of Kulgam district.
An official said that security forces were tracking them from last week and this evening they were trapped and later killed in a gun battle.
Kumar said that two police personnel were injured in the encounter and they have been evacuated to hospital.  He identified the Pakistani militant as Jameel Pasha alias Usman Chachoo of JEM.
He said that three Pakistani militants have been killed in last two days.
In the meantime, three militants of LeT were arrested by the security forces in Wadoora area of Baramulla district.
A police official said that based on a specific information regarding movement of three suspected individuals from Wadoora Bala to Sonarwain bridge, who were likely to carryout attack on security forces, a joint Naka was established by 22 RR of Army, Sopore, Police, and 179 Bn of CRPF  at Sonarwain bridge near Village Wadoora Bala in Baramulla.
He said that during the checking at the naka, it was observed that three persons were moving towards naka in suspicious conditions. The naka party challenged them, however, they tried to flee from the spot, taking cover of darkness but, were nabbed by the troops.
He said that the troops assessed the situation and displayed extreme restraint and control in not opening fire, keeping in mind the darkness and civilians in proximity of the area, to avoid any civilian casualty. “Upon their search, three pistols, three magazines, 22 rounds of pistols, one grenade and Rs 79,800 cash were recovered from their possession”, he added.
He said that they were identified as Tufail Ahmad Mir son of Abdul Majeed Mir of Gund Mohalla, Barat Kalan; Owais Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Hassan Mir of Mir Mohalla, Barat Kalan and Shabir Ahmad Wagay son of Nazir Ahmad Wagay of Masjid Mohalla, Pethbug.
The preliminary investigation revealed that they are affiliated to LeT. A case has been registered at Police Station, Bomai under relevant Sections of law and further investigation is going on.
And tonight at around 10:45 pm a team of  Anantnag police recovered arms and ammunition from a vehicle in Dooru area of Anantnag during area domination.
A police official said that  police on night domination in light of recent incidences near Mehmodabad bridge Dooru in Anantnag saw a vehicle stopping on seeing police.
“This raised suspicion and police team fired some rounds in air,  however, driver of the vehicle  fled away from the spot taking advantage of the darkness,” he said.
“Upon checking of the vehicle, a red colour bag was found from which one short barrel AK-56, two AK magazines, two pistols, 3 pistol magazines, six hand grenades, 44 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 58 rounds of 7.9 mm ammunition and one sling were recovered,” he added.