Srinagar, Dec 19 : A massive search operation has been going on in the woods of Kupwara district in the Kashmir Valley since December 17 to nab rest three militants. Troops of the Rashitriya Rifles and the state police launched the security operation on a tip-off that three to four militants have been hiding in the woods. Of them, one militants was killed so far, an official said. "We believe that there are two to three militants still in the forest," the official said. He said initial reports suggested that about three to four militants have been hiding in the woods at Kaninad, Khurhama, and Lolab. One of them was killed so far and the search for remaining was going on.
One AK rifle and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, who was yet to be identified.
The encounter was started on December 17 evening. When the troops were sealing the area, the militants opened fire. Troops also retaliated and in the gun battle a militant was killed.
Reinforcement was rushed to the woods and all exit points were sealed to foil any militant attempt to escape.
Defence ministry spokesman Lt Colonel N N Joshi said the joint operations continued in the day yesterday and will go on as chances of some more militants cannot be ruled out.
He said one AK rifle, six magazines, 140 rounds, two wireless sets, one GPS and some administrative items were recovered during this search. The area remains cordoned, he said. |
