Mohammad Sarfaraz
Early Times Report
BARAMULLA, Aug 17: An army man was killed in an encounter that erupted between militants and security forces in Handwara area; while as the militants escaped after security forces launched CASO in Hajin of north Kashmir district. A top rank army official said that, following the presence of militants, army's 32 RR launched a CASO at Kachlu Rafiabad in Baramulla district. The cordon was in place and security forces intensified the searches, however the militants opened fire triggering off a brief gunfight. The official said that in the gunfight an army soldier suffered critical bullet injuries and later succumbed. He was identified as Rifleman Rambabu Sahi. Meanwhile a CASO was launched in Hajin area of Bandipora district, after there were reports about the presence of militants in the area. "2-3 militants were trapped, after which there was also an exchange of fire between militants and security forces, however intense clashes erupted between youth and security forces which helped the militants to escape from the encounter site, said sources. Authorities had suspended internet services in Bandipora district following the gunfight between the forces and militants at Mir Mohalla in Hajin area. A top police official that militants had reportedly escaped from the encounter site, while as one army soldier lost his life in gunfight. |