Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 9: Three militants were killed in a fierce gun battle that ended in Arwani area of Anantnag district today after 40 hours. However, the identity of militants could not be established as the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
A Defence spokesman said that security forces killed three militants in Arwani area of Anantnag district during a gun battle and recovered three weapons. He, however, said that two dead bodies of the militants were recovered from the debris.
A police spokesman while giving details said that police received a specific information about the presence of militants in the house of one Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie son of Ghulam Qadir Ganie at Hassanpora, Tavila Arwani on Wednesday.
“As per the information, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie works as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of terrorists of LeT outfit and not only harboured terrorists in his house, but also provides all sort of logistical support to them”, the spokesman said.
“Based on this input, an operation was launched by joint team of Anantnag, Awantipora police along with Army and CRPF. The said house was cordoned off and when the security forces party entered into the house for searching, terrorist fired on them. The fire was retaliated and the ensuing gun battle lasted for almost two days.The operation concluded today when a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPFs Quick Action Team (QAT) stormed the house and cleared it. The cover fire to the storming team was given by Army troops” the spokesman said.
He said that during the search operation, two bodies of the militants and three AK-rifles along with other incriminating material has been recovered from the debris of the house. “DNA samples from the killed terrorist bodies has been collected for their identification”, he added. Amid encounter, massive clashes had erupted at Hassanpora and adjoining areas. The residents had attempted to hamper the operation to help militants to flee. During the stone-pelting one civilian hailing from Sangam area of Anantnag was killed. However, police said he was hit by a stray bullet.
The firing continued till this morning and in the afternoon, the encounter ended and security forces started searches of the debris to retrieve the bodies. After hectic efforts, the security forces recovered one charred body and pieces of flesh of another body beyond identification.
However, it was unclear whether the bodies of the slain militants were actually of Majid Zargar of Qoimoh and Ruhail Amin of Vessu Qazigund. Reports said that their families have said that the duo is alive and has even met their family members.
In the meantime, panic gripped in Baramulla town and massive searches have been launched after Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) personnel fired indiscriminately tonight following suspicious movement.
Police said that CISF personnel of 150 Battalion fired several shots in air after security guard found suspicious movement. Police, Army and CRPF immediately reached the spot and massive searches were launched.
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