KNB News Desk
Srinagar 13 Friday (KNB): Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar on Friday said that a foreign Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was killed in Kulgam encounter and another militant managed to flee.
Talking to reporters in Srinagar, IGP Kashmir said that prior to 26th of January and 15th of August (Independence Day), security forces do receive inputs. “Police and Security Forces were alert. When the BSF convoy was coming through (on the Highway), two militants hidden inside a large building opened fire indiscriminately but none of our personnel got injured.”
Vijay Kumar said that security forces cordoned off the whole area. “I was personally monitoring the whole operation during the night,” he added.
“We used rocket launchers in the operation and killed one hidden militant but due to dark hours didn’t search the building cause that would have been a little difficult,” he added.
As per IGP Kumar, the search operation took place during the morning and he said, “We found the dead body of a Pakistani militant known as ‘Osman’, who was active for the last 6 months.”
“We recovered a lot of ammunition from the encounter site, such as an AK47 rifle, it’s magazines, grenades, RPG rocket launcher & grenades (Cell), etc. After a long time foreign Militants used RPG, IGP said, adding, “This determines the major attack they were going to execute and security forces averted it.”
“I am proud of my (J&K) Police and security forces,” he emphasized.
Regarding the security measures taken up ahead of the 75th Independence Day celebration on 15th of August, IGP Kumar said, “Security measures have been taken everywhere. Proper checking/frisking is taking place. Drones are being used for surveillance and other technical surveillance is taking place.”
He also assured that there is no need to panic.
“Incident free functions will be conducted in every district, headquarters,” IGP Kashmir said, adding, “Pakistan has always been instigating militancy and through militant incidents trying to scare people and stop them from participating (in functions).”
He said, “Do not be scared. Your police and security forces are ready. We will provide you with security and you just participate in the functions.”
Further about the intel regarding Kulgam attack, IGP Kumar said that from the last one months, there was general inputs about an attack on NH/ Baramulla/ Srinagar/ Qazigund road and in-between Panthachowk road.
“Security forces were already ready and the operation shows how good our response was,” said, adding that Osman was a very dangerous Pakistani LeT militant and the security forces were successful in killing him.
Moreover, the National Highway which was closed due to the military operation was thrown open for vehicular moments later.
Pertinent to mention that the encounter raged in Mir Bazar area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district during Thursday afternoon, after militants opened fire on a BSF convoy. Two security forces personnel and two civilians sustained injuries during the operation, as per Police. (KNB)