Jammu and Kashmir: News and Discussion

[I-G]

Hizbul Mujahideen supporter held in J&K

Jammu (PTI): A Hizbul Mujahideen supporter was on Thursday arrested by security forces in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

On a tip off, security forces arrested Sultan Mohideen from Jaura Khurd village, police said.

He was handed over to the police for further interrogation

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

Two doctors suspended in Shopian case

Srinagar, June 25: Two doctors, who performed the autopsy of the victims of alleged rape and murder in Shopian, have been suspended following the recommendation of a judicial inquiry into the incident that had sparked violent protest in Kashmir Valley.

Bilal Ahmed and Nighat Shaheen were placed under suspension this afternoon for their failure to follow due procedure during autospy of the two women who were allegedly raped and murdered in Shopian on May 30, official sources said.

Jammu and Kashmir Government had suspended four policemen including the then Superintendent of Police of Shopian and an forensic official a day after receiving the interim report of the one-man commission of Muzaffar A Jan on June 21.

The Commission had recommended departmental action and inquiry against the doctors who conducted the post-mortem for not taking the samples of heart and brain of the bodies for forensic tests.

However, Nighat Shaheen alleged that she was being victimised for no fault of hers.

"My opinion was sought for gynaecological aspect of the inquest. I had confirmed that rape had taken place. I was not responsible for obtaining the samples of vital organs of the victims," she said, and claimed that the deputy medical superintendent and deputy chief medical officer conducted the autopsy.

"I received a call around 2.30 PM from the director health services and was handed over the letter of suspension", A visibly upset Shaheen, who has put in 14 years of service, said.

The then Superintendent of Police, Javed Iqbal, Deputy SP Rohit Basgotra, SHO Shafiq Ahmed and a sub-inspector were held responsible by the inquiry for "destroying evidence".

Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda has deputed IG(CID) Farooq Khan to conduct a probe into the lapses as pointed out by the panel in its interim report.

The Commission, set up after massive protests rocked the Valley, however, remained silent over the cause of the death of the two women, but said "...the way police tried to destroy evidence, the needle of suspicion pointed towards them".

Bodies of Asiya (17) and her pregnant sister-in-law Neelofar Jan (22) were recovered in Shopian on May 30 after they went missing from their orchard on May 29.

Two doctors suspended in Shopian case

 

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J&K: Ammunition recovered from two militant hideouts

Jammu (PTI): Security forces have busted two militant hideouts and recovered ammunition from them in Reasi district, 123 kms from here, police said here on Friday.

On specific information, a joint team of Rashtriya Rifle troops and police launched an operation in Gulabgarh area and busted two militant hideouts, they said.

Recoveries from the hideouts included 70 AK rounds along with other items, they said, adding, however, no militant was arrested.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

Separatists' march restricted; Normal life affected in Valley

Srinagar, June 26: A curfew-like situation prevailed in the city on Friday as authorities deployed security forces to foil separatists' plan to stage protests after Friday prayers to demand punishment for those involved in the Shopian case and release of their detained leaders.

The separatists have planned rallies to Cheshmashahi here to press for release of separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, detained for organising agitations to protest against Shopian rape and murder case of May 30.

Thousands of police and para-military personnel were deployed and barricades were laid on the important posts to restrict movement of the people following a call for the march given by hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference.

Shops and business establishments, educational institutions, banks, courts and semi-government institutions were closed and vehicles remained off the road in view of stringent security measures.

The district magistrate of Srinagar, Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo said prohibitory orders have been put in place to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order in the city.

"We have issued orders that no unlawful gathering should be allowed. police has been asked to implement the orders to ensure public safety," he said.

All roads leading towards Cheshmashahi, where hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani is lodged since June 6, have been sealed and no vehicle was allowed on the roads, police said


Separatists` march restricted; Normal life affected in Valley

These bandhs and protests only are making lifes hell for normal kashmiris ..

 

[peacecracker]

US NSA says will help India, Pak solve Kashmir issue

New Delhi: US National Security Advisor James Jones met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday.
Jones caused a flutter in New Delhi when he was quoted by the Pakistan government on Thursday as saying the "US would help India and Pakistan resolve the Kashmir issue", seemingly contradicting his boss President Obama, who just this week ruled out US involvement in the same.
In Islamabad, Jones met Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani and is understood to have taken stock of the ongoing military operations against the Taliban in northwest Pakistan and discussed American troop surge in Afghanistan.



Jones assured Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Geelani that America would help in resolving the Kashmir issue with India.



Jones stated that the Pakistani government urged him to push India for a speedy resolution of the Kashmir issue saying, "We will do everything we can to help Pakistan and India confront the issues that they alone can resolve. To the extent that we can be helpful, we will be helpful with both our friends India and Pakistan. We have to make sure that we understand the severerity of the threats of extremism and of the possibility of another Mumbai-style attack. That cannot be allowed to happen."


It is not clear whether the Kashmir issue was taken up by the US with the Indian side, but New Delhi is believed to have conveyed to the US Pakistan's failure to act against the terror groups emanating from Pakistani soil.



Jones is expected to discuss Afghanistan, Pakistan, counter-terrorism operations and defence cooperation with India's NSA MK Narayanan and Indian Defence Minister AK Antony on Friday.
He will reportedly share his assessment about the ongoing offensive by the Pakistani military against the Taliban.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/us-nsa-says-will-help-india-pak-solve-kashmir-issue/95725-3.html

 

[I-G]

Mirwaiz under house arrest; clashes in Srinagar

Srinagar (PTI): Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was placed under house arrest while youths clashed with security forces after Friday prayers here during protests by separatists in Kashmir Valley to press for release of their leaders and action against those involved in Shopian incident.

Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in Srinagar following a call by hardline faction of the Hurriyat for a strike and march to Cheshmashahi on the banks of Dal Lake to protest the arrest of separatist leaders.

Youths pierced a tight security cordon and indulged in stone-pelting shortly after police stopped supporters of Hurriyat from staging a rally outside historic Jamia Masjid.

Police responded by firing teargas shells leading to pitched battles at Gojwara, Kadi Kadal, Jildigar Mohalla, Chandpora and Malaratta near the historic mosque.

Barring violent clashes in parts of downtown Srinagar, the law and order situation remained by and large peaceful across Kashmir valley, official sources said.

Chairman of Hurriyat's moderate faction Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was placed under house arrest on Friday morning. Mirwaiz, who usually delivers the sermon at the Jamia Masjid and was released after 23 days of house arrest just two days back, could not attend the Friday prayers for the fourth time in a row in view of the fresh restrictions.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

Couple killed by suspected militants in Kashmir

Jammu, June 27: A couple was shot dead by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir's border district of Rajouri, police said on Saturday.

The militants barged into the house of Mohammad Latif and his wife Dana in Kandi area of Rajouri, over 150 km north of Jammu, late Friday and killed them, a police official said.

The reason behind the killings is not known. Investigations have begun to ascertain which militant outfit could be behind the crime. The methodology of the murder shows militants could be behind the murder, police said.

IANS

Couple killed by suspected militants in Kashmir

RIP

 

[I-G]

Three CRPF personnel injured in J&K grenade attack
27 Jun 2009, 1524 hrs IST, PTI


SRINAGAR: Three Central Reserve Police Force personnel were injured today, one of them critically, when militants hurled a grenade on the paramilitary force at Jehangir chowk, adjacent to the state high court here, a police spokesman said.

The three personnel of the 82 battalion were injured when the explosive lobbed by the militants exploded in front of them at around 2.15 pm, the spokesman said.

He said the injured were shifted to hospital where the condition of one of them was stated to be critical.

Police and security forces have cordoned off the area to nab the militants responsible for the act. However, no militant outfit has owned responsibility so far.

Three CRPF personnel injured in J&K grenade attack - India - The Times of India

 

[I-G]

JKLF chairman Yaseen Malik taken into preventive custody

Srinagar (PTI): JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik along with his two dozen party activists was detained by police in Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Sunday, hours after the separatist leader was released from over a month long house arrest here.

After restrictions were lifted on his movement this morning, Malik accompanied by senior leaders Shoukat Ahmad Bakshi, Noor Mohammad Kalwal and 22 party activists left for Shopian town, 52 kms from here, to express solidarity with the family of two women who were allegedly raped and killed on May 30.

On reaching Awantipora in Pulwama district, 32 kms from here, a police party intercepted the JKLF carvan and took them into preventive custody, official sources said.

The sources said the step was taken to prevent Malik and his associates from reaching Shopian in view of the volatile situation in the South Kashmir town, where a general strike against the alleged rape and murder of two girls completed a month today.

"We were apprehensive that the visit of the JKLF leaders might further deteriorate the situation there and therefore prevented them from visiting the place," the sources said.

On Wednesday, chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq visited Shopian town a day after his release from the 23-day house arrest. Mirwaiz after visiting the bereaved family led a massive demonstration in the town in support of the demand for identification of the culprits and severe punishment to them.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

J&K: Solider killed in cross-LoC firing
29 Jun 2009, 1007 hrs IST, IANS


JAMMU: A soldier was killed in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir in firing from across the Line of Control (LoC), army sources said on Monday.


Mohinder Singh of 8 Kumaon fell to a bullet fired from across the LoC late on Sunday.

Army sources said it was not clear whether the firing was from militants trying to intrude into Indian territory or Pakistani troops.

J&K: Solider killed in cross-LoC firing - India - The Times of India

RIP

 

[I-G]

J&K: One dead, indefinite curfew in Baramulla after violence
29 Jun 2009, 1441 hrs IST, PTI


SRINAGAR: An indefinite curfew was on Monday imposed in Baramulla town of North Kashmir following violent protests over alleged police misbehaviour with a woman, which left a youth dead and several persons, including a police officer injured.

The curfew was imposed in the town, 55 kms from here, this afternoon after securitymen opened fire to quell a mob protesting against local policemen who allegedly misbehaved with a woman in a police station last evening, official sources said.

A 20-year-old was killed and three persons critically injured in the police firing.

The sources said police opened fire after teargas shelling and baton charge failed to disperse hundreds of violent protesters.

"Curfew has been imposed in the town to maintain law and order," Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Latif-u-Zaman Deva said.

"We are monitoring the situation which is very tense," he said.

J&K: One dead, indefinite curfew in Baramulla after violence - India - The Times of India





Two killed in police firing on protesters, probe ordered

Srinagar (PTI) Two persons were killed and scores of others injured on Monday as police opened fire to disperse violent protesters agitating against alleged police misbehaviour with a woman in Baramulla, prompting authorities to clamp an indefinite curfew and order a magisterial probe.

Mohammad Saleem Wani, 20, a marketing executive with a private telecom company, and Tariq Ahmad Malik were killed as police opened fire after teargas shelling and baton charge failed to disperse hundreds of violent protesters who took to streets demanding action against those involved in the alleged incident in the north Kashmir town, 55 km. from here.

The trouble started in the townon Sunday evening when groups of youths indulged in stone pelting after a woman came out of the local police station and alleged that the policemen had misbehaved with her. Police, however, denied her charge.

Two others Amir Rashid and Javid Ahmad also received bullet injuries and were said to be in critical condition.

They were undergoing treatment at Soura Medical Institute The clash also left local Station House Officer Mohammad Abdullah injured.

"We have also ordered a probe to investigate the firing and the allegations of the woman," Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Latif-u-zaman Deva told PTI. The probe would be conducted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner who will submit the report within 10 days.

"Curfew has been imposed in the town to maintain law and order," he said, adding "we are monitoring the situation which is very tense."

http://www.hinduonnet.com/holnus/000200906291783.htm




Two killed in police firing on protesters, probe ordered

Srinagar (PTI) Two persons were killed and scores of others injured on Monday as police opened fire to disperse violent protesters agitating against alleged police misbehaviour with a woman in Baramulla, prompting authorities to clamp an indefinite curfew and order a magisterial probe.

Mohammad Saleem Wani, 20, a marketing executive with a private telecom company, and Tariq Ahmad Malik were killed as police opened fire after teargas shelling and baton charge failed to disperse hundreds of violent protesters who took to streets demanding action against those involved in the alleged incident in the north Kashmir town, 55 km. from here.

The trouble started in the townon Sunday evening when groups of youths indulged in stone pelting after a woman came out of the local police station and alleged that the policemen had misbehaved with her. Police, however, denied her charge.

Two others Amir Rashid and Javid Ahmad also received bullet injuries and were said to be in critical condition.

They were undergoing treatment at Soura Medical Institute The clash also left local Station House Officer Mohammad Abdullah injured.

"We have also ordered a probe to investigate the firing and the allegations of the woman," Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Latif-u-zaman Deva told PTI. The probe would be conducted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner who will submit the report within 10 days.

"Curfew has been imposed in the town to maintain law and order," he said, adding "we are monitoring the situation which is very tense."

http://www.hinduonnet.com/holnus/000200906291783.htm

 

[I-G]

Centre explores phase-wise withdrawal of AFSPA in J & K

New Delhi (PTI) The Centre is considering a proposal for phased withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir following a strong case made out by state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for scrapping it with the Central leadership.

To begin with, Centre is likely to explore the possibility of phased withdrawal of the AFSPA in two districts of Kashmir – Srinagar and Budgam – and two in Jammu region – Jammu and Kathua where incidents of violence has shown a marked decline, official sources said.

The Chief Minister has held a series of meetings with Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Defence Minister A K Antony during the recent past where he raised the issue of either amending the AFSPA, repealing it or taking it out of the state in a phased manner.

Mr. Omar gave a roadmap for its phased withdrawal beginning with the districts which have registered no or bare minimum violence during the past one year and in this context he gave examples of the four districts.

Sources in the Government said that while the situation in militancy-hit state has improved to a large extent, a serious thought could be given to the state’s demand.

A meeting between Home and Defence Ministries officials may be held soon to elicit the views of the Army and Central para-military forces, which have been fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir for the past two decades, the sources said.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

Army busts militant hideout, arrests OGW

News Agency of Kashmir 6/29/2009 8:55:20 PM

Jammu, June 29(NAK): Army claimed to have busted militant hideout in general area of Khurandar area of Banihal while an Over Ground Worker (OGW) has been arrested in Thathri, today.

Informed sources told News Agency of Kashmir that on specific information troops of Rashtriya Rifles busted a hideout in general area Khurandar, four KM from Banihal.

Two Chinese grenades and one AK magazine recovered search in the area was going on till last reports came in, sources added.

Meanwhile Army and STF in a joint operation arrested an Over Ground Worker from general area Jaura, five KM from Thathri in district Doda.

The individual has been identified as Farooq Ahmed Butt son of Ghulam Hussain Butt resident of Jaura.

After sustained questioning he was handed over to Jammu Kashmir police for further action under relivent laws.(NAK)

Army busts militant hideout, arrests OGW

 

[I-G]

J&K may be freed of AFSPA in phases

J&K may be freed of AFSPA in phases
30 Jun 2009, 0411 hrs IST, TNN


NEW DELHI: Amid a strong demand for scrapping the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre is exploring the option of
"phased withdrawal" of the validity of the legislation — which gives sweeping powers of arrest and raid to security forces — in certain districts, which have witnessed relatively lesser number of violence in the past one year.

Sources in the home ministry said consultations with the Army and paramilitary forces were on at different levels. If the Army and CRPF — engaged in anti-terror operations — were convinced of decline in violence in certain areas, the government would go for a phased withdrawal from four districts — Srinagar, Budgam, Jammu and Kathua — to begin with, they added. While the state has been asked to give district-wise details of incidents, central forces have been asked for their assessment of the situation.

A proposal of phased withdrawal was submitted to home minister P Chidambaram during his recent visit to J&K. The state government is learnt to have given a clear roadmap for phased withdrawal of AFSPA beginning with the districts which have registered no or minimal violence during the past one or two years.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah has, of late, held a series of meetings with Chidambaram and defence minister A K Antony where he raised the issue of either amending AFSPA, repealing it or withdrawing it from the state in a phased manner.

While the state has been appreciative of the Army's role in fighting terrorism in the state, it has contended that the local police should be at the forefront of all anti-militancy operations. Chidambaram, during his visit to the state, also favoured a greater role for the state police.

Referring to the demand for repealing AFSPA, the home minister had said that the issue was raised by Abdullah during his meeting before the general elections.

"When I met the chief minister two months ago, I told him that we will discuss the issue after the polls. I promised to look into the matter. I would have to discuss the matter with the defence minister and the prime minister," Chidambaram had said adding the issue would be looked into in all earnestness.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier constituted a committee headed by Hamid Ansari before he became the vice-president, to find ways for improving internal confidence building measures.

The Hamid Ansari panel had recommended revocation of AFSPA in the state. The Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Veerappa Moily, now law minister, has also endorsed withdrawal of AFSPA or at least incorporation of some measures in existing legislations to prevent its misuse.


J&K may be freed of AFSPA in phases - India - The Times of India

 

[I-G]

Strike hits life in Kashmir, curfew continues in Baramulla
30 Jun 2009, 1314 hrs IST, PTI


SRINAGAR: Life across Kashmir valley remained crippled today due to a separatist-sponsored strike, while curfew imposed in Baramulla after two youths were killed in police firing was extended to Sopore town as a precautionary measure.

Markets, educational institutions, banks, courts and other semi-government institutions remained closed and transport was off the roads across the valley in response to the three-day strike called by hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah geelani against the killing of two youths in Baramulla and alleged use of force against demonstrators in Shopian.

Attendance in government offices, barring civil secretariat, was thin in absence of transport, officials said, adding employees of the secretariat were ferried in security-guarded vehicles.

They said police and paramilitary personnel are patrolling the deserted streets to maintain law and order in the city and elsewhere in the valley.

Meanwhile, curfew continued without relaxation in Baramulla town of North Kashmir for the second successive day.

The curfew was promulgated yesterday after two youths were killed and scores others injured in police firing on protesters demanding action against policemen who had allegedly misbehaved with a woman on June 28.

As a precautionary measure, Sopore town of Baramulla district was also brought under curfew this morning as the situation in the town was tense, officials said.

Strike hits life in Kashmir, curfew continues in Baramulla - India - The Times of India

 

[I-G]

Grenades, other explosives recovered from militant hideout

Jammu (PTI): Security forces have recovered a large quantity of explosives, including 68 grenades, from a militant hideout in Poonch district, defence sources said here on Tuesday.

On specific information, Rashtriya Rifle troops and police launched a joint operation on Monday and busted a militant hideout in Swani-Bafliaz area in Surankote tehsil, about 210 km from here, they said.

The recoveries from the hideout included 35 grenades of under barrel grenade launcher, 10 grenades of rocket propelled gun, 23 chinese grenades, 45 detonators, they said.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[I-G]

AFSPA necessary tool for armed forces in J&K: Sibal

New Delhi, June 30: The Centre today said the act giving special powers to the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir was a "necessary tool" and noted that any decision on reducing the number of troops in the state will depend on the level of infiltration of terrorists.

"To deal with the situation effectively, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is a necessary tool that we have to give them (armed forces)," Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju told reporters here.

On if the Government was considering repealing the Act after various requests from the state leaders including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he said "it is a responsible decision that has to be made because you know that we have fought hard to gain control of the region".

Asked if there was any move to reduce the number of troops, he said, "depending on the situation, once we feel that things are returning to normal, there is lesser infiltration and we are confident about the situation, then only we will dilute the forces."

Commenting on the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) demand of the ex-servicemen, Raju said that the demand looked like a "fair" one.

"The matter has been examined before and as per the commitment in the Presidential address also, its being looked at right now. It looks like a fair request when you look at it from defence forces' and retired man's point of view," he said.

"Now it is for the Government to take a look at the financial implications and what it means," he added.

On the issue of granting permanent commission to women in more services, Raju said "Defence Minister is very keen that the process (of granting permanent commission to women) is accelerated and you will see some announcements."

He added that the Government was waiting for the recommendations by the Chiefs of Staffs Committee about the new Services in the armed forces where permanent commission can be granted to women.

AFSPA necessary tool for armed forces in J&K: Sibal

 

[I-G]

Murder case registered against CRPF man for unprovoked firing in Baramulla

Jammu Kashmir Armed Police to replace CRPF in North District
News Agency of Kashmir 6/30/2009 11:46:34 PM

Srinagar, June 30(NAK): A Government spokesman said here this evening that a case of murder has been registered against CRPF person who had reportedly fired without any provocation at Khanpora, Baramulla this evening as a result of which one person died.

“The CRPF authorities have been asked to handover the CRPF person to Baramulla Police against whom murder case has been registered for arrest and investigation”, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile Police issued a statement tonight saying that government has decided to replace CRPF deployments in Baramulla with J&K Armed Police immediately.

“It has also been decided to take cognizance against the personnel of the deployments involved in the firing incident at Khanpora Baramulla in which one person died.”, the statement added.

http://www.naknews.co.in/newsdet.aspx?21897




Murder case against CRPF personnel; CRPF to be withdrawn

Srinagar, June 30: Police tonight registered a murder case against the CRPF personnel who opened fire on protesters killing a youth in curfew-bound Baramulla town of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said.

The state government also decided to withdraw the CRPF from the town from tomorrow and replace them with the armed police.

Fayaz Ahmad Gojri, a resident of Khanpora locality, was killed when he was hit by a bullet in the chest during protest demonstration in the locality this evening, sources said.

They said IG CRPF has gone to Baramulla to ascertain whether metal or rubber bullets were fired by the paramilitary today.

Thousands of people in the old Baramulla town violated the curfew and took out a march to protest yesterday's firing by police which left two youth dead.

Murder case against CRPF personnel; CRPF to be withdrawn

 

[I-G]

Woman among 3 OGWs arrested in Kashmir

News Agency of Kashmir 6/30/2009 9:50:52 PM

Srinagar June 30(NAK): Police claimed to have arrested three Over Ground Workers including a woman of Hizbul Mujahideen and recovered incriminating documents from their possession, here late last night.

Police spokesman said that on specific information arrested three Over Ground Workers and recovered incriminating documents and Indian currency of fifty thousand which they were carrying for the militants in Srinagar.

They have been identified as Abdul Majid Wani son of Ghulam Hassan Wani resident of Iqbal Abad Bemina Srinagar, Nuzhat Amin wife of Mehmood-ul Hassan Shah alias Shafkat resident of Lalpora Kupwara and Parvaiz Ahmad Shah son of Bashir Ahmad Shah resident of Dangiwacha Baramulla were arrested from Bulbul Bagh Bund near Tangpora Bridge.

Incriminating documents including Matrix sheets, Letter pads of banned organization and Indian currency worth Rupees 50,000 were recovered from their possession.

On their questioning they revealed that they were working for HM/LeT outfits as courier, financer and were involved in Hawala Money transactions.

The trio used to receive Hawala money through various channels and would further distribute the same among the active cadres of HM/ LeT outfits throughout the valley as well as among the troubleshooters in Baramulla and Sopore town.

“They were also involved in transportation of weapons and other explosives from both South as well as North Kashmir to Srinagar city”, the spokesman quoting their revelations said adding the grouped was also providing SIM cards to the active cadres of HM/ Lashkar militants.(NAK)

http://www.naknews.co.in/newsdet.aspx?21894

 

[I-G]

Arms, ammunition recovered, Militants managed to escape

News Agency of Kashmir 6/30/2009 9:50:25 PM

Jammu June 30(NAK): Security forces claimed to have busted a militant hideout in Yearbragen forest area Reasi district and recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition, while militants hiding managed to escape from the spot.

Sources said that on specific information about presence of a militants Mushtaq Ahmad alias Urfan and Jufail a joint search operation was launched by Reasi Police and troops of 191 Battalion of CRPF in forest area of Yearbragen.

While approaching the hide out militants present their started indiscrimination firing on the troops and the fire was retaliated by the operation party. “Gun battle continue for about half and hour” sources said adding militants managed to escaped under the cover of tough terrain and dense forest.

93 AK rounds, two AK 47 magazines, one Chinese grenade, one Radio set, four IED batteries, one battery charger, one IED fuse, eleven Pencil cells, one Pencil charger and two Blankets were recovered from the encounter site.

Meanwhile in another joint operation launched by Poonch Police and Army in the general area of Sawani, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Surankote security forces recovered arms and ammunition during search operation.

35 UBGL grenades, ten RPG grenades, 23 Chinese grenades 12 RPG chargers and 45 Detonators were recovered. (NAK)

Arms, ammunition recovered, Militants managed to escape