KNB News Desk
Srinagar 22 March (KNB): Four Lashkar militants killed in an encounter in Imamsahib area of south Kashmir’s Shopian, were given ample opportunity to surrender, said IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Monday, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said that several appeals were made to the local militants trapped in the Shopian encounter, to drop arms and come back to the mainstream.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir police had intel about the presence of militants in Manihal area and together in coordination teams of Army and Police took the spot.
He added that officers contacted the family members of Aaqib Malik resident of Arshipora Shopian– who had been missing since 25th of December, 2020– including his wife and child.
One by one every family member made several appeals to him (aaqib) to surrender.
As per the IGP, “He was ready to surrender but other militants inside stopped him.”
Vijay Kumar said that the forces have been following the operation SOPs strictly and tried their best to bring back the youth, who had recently joined militant ranks.
He also added that their priority has been to bring the local militants back to mainstream and accordingly, always appeal the local militants during the initial stages as well as amid the encounter, to drop their weapons and surrender.
Furthermore about the Shopian encounter, IGP Kashmir said that all the four militants have been killed during the operation, which is still going on.
IGP said that as per some reports, they belong to TRF, but for us, TRF and Lashkar-e-Mustafa are fake names, off shoots of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad.
IGP added that all four slain militants belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit and have been identified as Rayeed Ahmed (active since October last year), Amir Mir (joined militancy in February this year), Aaqib Malik (joined militant ranks in December last year) and Aftab Wani (picked up arms in November last year).
Vijay Kumar said that 3 pistols and one Ak47 have been recovered so far.
He added that during the operation one Army personnel sustained a bullet wound and is being treated at an Army Hospital.
Moreover, regarding the gun-battles that took place this year, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar revealed that 9 encounters have taken place in J&K so far.
Out of these nine encounters, one took place in north Kashmir and all the rest encounters took place in south Kashmir, he said.
IGP, Kashmir said that 19 militants have been killed during these encounters in the year 2021 so far.
Out of these 19 killed militants, 6 militants were from Shopian and Two top militant commanders were killed, he added.
Revealing the number of Jammu and Kashmir policemen killed in this year, IGP said that Four policemen lost their lives in the line of work.
Furthermore, talking about the rising drug menace in Kashmir, IGP advised the parents to be vigilant and requested the youth to be wise and not indulge in substance abuse.
He said that drugs are a major issue that the police and army as well are trying to tackle in the valley.
He blamed Pakistan for supplying drugs into Kashmir and ruining the lives of Kashmiri youth.
About the yearly visit of Pilgrims to Kashmir, IGP said that after the elections, additional forces will be deployed here and a safer atmosphere will be ensured to make the Yatra successful. (KNB)