Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 4: A civilian and a militant were killed in an encounter last night in Anantnag district of South Kashmir while two militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness and police in Central Kashmir district of Budgam rescued two boys.
Security forces last night on a specific input about the presence of three militants in Herpora area Kanelwan Karvel in district Anantnag launched an operation last night.
As Anantnag Police, Army’s 3 RR and 40th and 90th Battalions of CRPF launched the operation, militants fired on the search party resulting in exchange of fire. At around midnight taking advantage of darkness two militants fired and managed to give a slip.
Security forces later recovered body of a civilian who was riding a motorcycle (Yamaha Libero JK13-527? with erased last digit). Two mobile phones (Nokia 1209) and Jivi-N300 were recovered from the civilian.
The militant who was killed in the encounter has been identified as Yawar Nissar Shergujri alias Algazi. One SLR, 2 magazines, 40 rounds, one Chinese hand grenade and a pouch was recovered from the slain terrorist. One soldier of 3 RR, Rifleman Rohit Kumar was injured in the encounter.
Budgam Police today said that they foiled an attempt of two local youth to join militancy. Police spokesman said that on July 31, Police Station Chrar-i-Sharief received a missing report from Abdul Aziz Dar and Abdul Qayoom Bhat, both residents of Watkulu, Charar-i-Sharief in which they stated that their sons Basharat Ahmad Dar 15, student of 10th class and Anayat Qayoom Bhat 17, a 12th class student had gone to appear in the golden test at Higher Secondary School Baghlipora, Chadoora but did not return home.
“After receiving this information, Budgam police lodged missing reports and started the investigation,” the spokesman said, adding that after proper verification and checking of their movement, it was found that the duo had gone to Tral area of Awantipora. “Acting swiftly, SHO Chrar-i-Sharief sent a team to Awantipora on August 2 where from the duo were brought back,” he said.
The spokesman said that during questioning, both the students narrated that they had gone to Tral after faring poorly in the exam and wanted to meet militants. “After proper counseling, the duo have been handed over to their parents yesterday,” he said.
Meanwhile, authorities today allowed Friday prayers at Jama Masjid Srinagar after six weeks of curbs while clashes erupted in multiple areas of Valley between protesters and security forces.
Unlike past six Fridays, there were no restrictions in downtown areas of the city today. The Jama Masjid area in Nowhatta here was also free from restrictions and people were allowed to offer Friday congregational prayers at the Grand Mosque.
To contain stone-pelting after prayers, security forces were deployed in and around Jama Masjid areas while police were also deployed in lanes, by-lanes and interior neighbourhoods. The prayers at the Grand Mosque concluded peacefully but a group of youth pelted stones on security men from the entrance of the Jama Masjid for more than an hour.
Security forces responded firing teargas. The protester later dispersed and clashes erupted in nearby Saraf Kadal locality. However, security forces managed to contain the stone-pelting instantly and the order was restored. Even though prayers were allowed at Jama Masjid but Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was disallowed to deliver sermon as he continues to remain under house arrest.
The situation in rest of the city remained normal except a stone-pelting incident in Parimpora interiors, said a police official. In four districts of south Kashmir – Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama – situation remained tense. A spontaneous shutdown was observed in most parts of these districts against recent militant and civilian killings.
In Main Town of Anantnag district, clashes erupted in the morning after the burial of local militant Yawar Nissar, who was gunned down by security forces last night.
The clashes also erupted in parts of Pulwama district including at Haal, Tahab and Prichal. In neighbouring Shopian district, clashes were reported from Memandar area after Friday prayers. The clashes also erupted at Sopore town of Baramulla district in North Kashmir after Friday prayers. Police said that no major injury was reported from anywhere in the day and situation is under control.
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