JeM comdr among 4 militants trapped by troops in Kashmir, TRF module busted

Recoveries made from the TRF militants in Ganderbal on Saturday. —Excelsior/Shakeel
Recoveries made from the TRF militants in Ganderbal on Saturday. —Excelsior/Shakeel

Cop martyred in militant attack in Bijbehara

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: A policeman was today martyred in a militant attack in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district while security forces busted The Resistance Front (TRF) militant module in Ganderbal by arresting three of its cadres.
Security forces today trapped at least five militants including top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander during two separate operations in Kashmir.
A police official said that militants fired at Head Constable Ali Mohammad Ganie near his residential house at Hasanpora Tabala area of Bijbehara Anantnag this evening. He was grievously injured in the attack.  He was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries. The cop was posted at Police Station Kulgam and was at home at the time of the attack.
Police has registered a case in this regard under relevant Sections of law. “Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this terror crime. Area has been cordoned and search in the area is going on,” police added.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha tweeted: “I strongly condemn the brutal killing of our J&K Police HC Ali Mohammad in Anantnag district by terrorists. His supreme sacrifice won’t go in vain. The perpetrators of this barbaric act will be punished soon. My deepest condolences to the family of martyr.”
Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, said that three JeM militants including top commander Zahid Wani and Pakistani have been trapped in Naira village in Tahab area of Pulwama district.
A joint team of police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.
As the troops approached the suspected spot, militants fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering an encounter. The firing has stopped and security forces strengthened the cordon.
The IGP said that at least one or two militant of TRF has been trapped in Charar-e-Sharif area of Budgam district this evening.
He said that security forces cordoned off Charar-e-Sharif after inputs about presence of militants in the area. Militants opened fire on security forces during searches leading to a gun battle.
In the meantime, security today busted a TRF militant module and arrested three militant associates of the outfit in Ganderbal district and recovered arms and ammunition from them.
Police said that on 28th January, Ganderbal Police along with the teams of 24 RR and 115 Bn. CRPF  arrested three militant associates during naka checking in Shuhama area and recovered  arms and ammunition  from their possession.
They have been identified as Faisal Manzoor son of Manzoor Ahmad Lone, resident of Braripora Shopian, Azhar Yaqoob son of Mohd Yaqoob Ganie, resident of Zaipora Shopain and Nasir Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Ayoub Dar resident of Begam Kulgam. Two Chinese pistols, 3 pistol magazines, 15 rounds of ammunition and two hand grenades besides three mobile phones were recovered from their possession.
“During preliminary questioning , the trio revealed their affiliation with outfit  LeT/TRF and indulged in various militancy related activities in the district,” he said.
Police have registered a case (FIR no 07/2022) under relevant Sections of law in Police Station Ganderbal and investigation taken up. “More arrests and recoveries are expected in the case,” he added.