Lt Gen Singh reviews situation
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 29: Top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen and close aide of its chief commander, Reyaz Naikoo, was among two militants killed in an encounter in Khrew area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district today.
Based on a credible input about the presence of militants in Sharshali area of Khrew in Awantipora, a cordon and search operation was launched this morning jointly by Police, Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the area.
The search party of the security forces was fired upon by the militants, who returned the fire leading to a gunfight. Two militants were killed in the encounter and their bodies were retrieved. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the site of encounter.
The slain militants were identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone alias Uqaab son of Ghulam Mohammad Lone, resident of Braw Bandina, Awantipora and Adil Bilal Bhat alias Umair Al Hizbi son of Bilal Ahmad Bhat, resident of Malangpora, Pulwama. They were affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen and Adnan Lone was the district commander of Pulwama for the outfit.
Police said that both the militants were wanted by the law for their complicity in a series of militancy cases including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities.
Adnan Lone as per police records, was one of the top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and was active since 2015. He was a close associate of militant commander Reyaz Naikoo and had escaped from encounter site at Srinagar earlier. Several militancy cases were registered against him.
“Similarly Adil Bhat being a close associate of Reyaz Naikoo was also involved in several militancy crimes. Among several other militancy offences, he also figured in killing of HC Ashiq Hussain at Awantipora in October 2017”, police said.
“Huge quantity of arms and ammunition including rifles were recovered from the site of encounter. All these materials have been taken in the case records for further investigation and probe their complicity in other militancy cases”, police said.
Meanwhile, police appealed people not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. “People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials,” police said.
And thousands of people participated in the funeral procession of the militants in their native villages today.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between youth and security forces in Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district when the funeral of militant Mehraj-ud-Din was being held.
Mehraj was killed in the gunfight at Chattergam area of Budgam district along with a top LeT commander, Naveed Jatt on Wednesday.
The train services between Banihal and Baramulla remained suspended today as a precautionary measure to prevent loss to the Railway property.
Security forces this year achieved major successes killing 250 militants so far including the top commanders of Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizbul Mujhaideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Only this month, around two dozen militants were shot dead by the security forces.
Last year 213 militants were killed in security forces operation in Kashmir while in 2016, 150 militants were killed.
Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, who reviewed security situation in South Kashmir, today commended the troops for their recent success by eliminating top militant commanders of various outfits including chief commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Naveed Jatt.
Lt General Singh arrived in Kashmir this morning to review the prevailing security situation. Accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt, he visited the units in South Kashmir where he was briefed by the Commanders on ground about the current situation and recent counter militancy operations.
It may be mentioned here that around 250 militants including top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad were killed in successful operations by the troops. Over two dozen of them including Naveed Jatt, who was most wanted militant commander, were killed in last two weeks only.
The Army Commander asked the troops to remain alert and foil the designs of the militants and forces inimical to peace in the Valley. He asked them to keep close contact with the people so that militants and their sympathizers are isolated.
Lt General Singh stressed for the Intelligence based operation so that the collateral damage is further minimized during the anti-militancy operations.
The Army Commander was informed that the stone pelting incidents during the operations against militants over the months have decreased. “This has led to focused operations without any disruption”, he said.
Lt General Singh was told that due to the killing of civilians in South Kashmir by militants, the information flow against militants has increased which has led to more successes.
Srinagar based Defence spokesman said that the Army Commander complimented the troops for their remarkable successes in eliminating militant leadership from South and Central Kashmir.
The spokesman said the he also commended them for their dedication to duty and high standards of professionalism and was appreciative of the measures and Standard Operating Procedures instituted by the units and formations to minimise civilian casualties.
“The need to be prepared for meeting the security challenges effectively was also reinforced. Lauding the excellent synergy amongst all the security forces, he exhorted all ranks to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people of the Kashmir”, said the statement.
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