Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Aug 19: A militant was killed in an encounter in Tangdhar area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district near the Line of Control (LoC) early today.
An Army spokesman said that troops operating near Barwan village of Tangdhar sector in frontier district of Kupwara observed suspicious movement during the early hours today.
“Alert troops cordoned off the area, affectively blocking the escape routes. As the search operations commenced, the terrorist hiding in the village opened fire upon the troops. The fire was retaliated, ensuing a brief encounter”, the spokesman said.
“During encounter, a terrorist was killed and the body along with an AK- 47 rifle was recovered from the site. The operations are still in progress. The identity of the terrorist is yet to be ascertained”, the spokesman said.
Sources said Army’s 5/5 GR launched a massive search operation following the suspicious movement at Dhanni forest area along the LoC early today.
As the Army intensified the combing operation, the militants hiding in the area opened fire upon the forces, he said, adding that the fire was retaliated ensuing a brief encounter in which one militant was killed.
Police have lodged a case (FIR No. 61/2014 under Section 307, 302 RPC and 7/27 IA Act) in Police Station Karnah and further investigations taken up.
Sources said that the killed militant was part of the group of 7-8 militants that infiltrated recently through Tangdhar sector.
Three militants of the group were killed in a fierce encounter at Gagadoro forest area on August 8. Army had recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 3 pouches, 3 UBGLs, 3 wireless sets from the dead militants.
The operation was conducted by Army’s 4 Para, 3/1 GR, 5/5 GR and 20 RR. The infiltrated militants were trapped in the Gagadoro forest area on August 6 leading to a gun battle in which one Army jawan, was killed.
After the killing of fourth militant today, Army has launched operation against the other three members of the group who are still hiding in the area. Army sources said that the militant who was killed today had come down to fetch food for the rest of the group from the village.
In the meantime, Army’s 52 RR and SOG Sopore conducted cordon and search operation in Tarzoo area of Sopore this evening after a tip off about presence of two militants, one local and another foreigner, in the area. However, the operation was later called off no militant was found inside the village.
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