Srinagar : Four militants including a Lashker-e-Toiba commander and a foreigner “planning to carry out a fidayeen attack’ were killed in two separate gunfights in south Kashmir on Tuesday, police said.
“On a specific input generated by Police regarding presence of militants in Khandipora area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police and Army (55RR) in the area.” A police spokesperson said in a statement to GNS.
As the joint party approached towards the suspected spot, he said, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately, which was retaliated “effectively leading to an encounter.”
“In the ensuing encounter three (militants) were killed. Among them 01 is a foreigner and another one is a LeT commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat while as the identification of the third one is being ascertained,” he said, adding, “As per police records all of them were involved in several cases including killing of 01 ASI of CRPF & 2 RPF personnel.”
As per source, he said, Mukhtar Bhat along with foreigner were going for fidayeen attack on security force camp.
“Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifle, 01 AK-56 rifle & 01 pistol was recovered.”
Earlier, Police along with Army’s 3rd RR launched a cordon and search operation at Semthan Bijbehara area of Anantnag following input regarding presence of militant in the area.
“As the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot the hiding (militant) fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively by the joint party leading to an encounter,” he said, adding, “In the ensuing encounter, one local (militant ) identified as Shakir Ahmad son of Habibullah resident of Ladermud was killed.”
As per Police records Shakir was linked with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and was involved in several cases including attacks on Police and SFs , he said.
ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar “congratulated” the joint forces for successful operations and termed these as a big success for forces. He also said that Awantipora Police and Army averted a major militant incident.(GNS)
