Srinagar, Nov 12: Three militants including a district commander of HM outfit were killed today in two separate encounters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district and central Kashmir’s Srinagar district, police said.
The army and police spokesperson in a handout issued to ANB said that on a specific input regarding presence of militants in Kulgam and Srinagar, two anti-militancy operations were carried out in which three militants were neutralised which include a top of HM.
The statement reads that in Chansar Chawalgam area of Kulgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 9RR and 18Bn CRPF. During the search operation the presence of militants got ascertained. They were given the opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party,” they said.
Accordingly, police said, the joint teams ensured safety of civilians by shifting them to safer places. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter, it reads.
During the initial exchange of gun-fire, 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 the joint search party which 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 said that the slain militants 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,” they said.
According to police, Shiraz Molvi was an A++ category militant and was active since 2016 figuring among the list of most wanted militants. He was also involved in recruiting youth into militant ranks and 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.”
Meanwhile, in another joint operation while acting on a specific input about possible militant attack and movement of militants in Bemina area, a joint checkpoint was established.
“In the meantime, militants attacked 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 killed 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 militants of Lethpora terror attack and preliminary investigation indicated that he was assigned to carry out a similar kind of fidayeen attack.
“Digital evidence 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. (ANB)
Most wanted HM Commander among 3 militants killed in Kulgam, Srinagar encounters
