Srinagar Encounter: Officials Say Trio Not Mentioned in List of Militants, Yet Two of Them Were Hardcore Militant Associates

Srinagar 30 December (KNB): Authorities issued a statement regarding the encounter that took place in Hokarsar area, outskirt of Srinagar, in which three militants were killed today and said that the trio was not mentioned in their list of militants, yet two of them were hardcore associates of militants (OGWs).

The statement read, “On 29-12-2020, at about 05:30 PM troops of 02RR launched a Cordon and Search Operation on a specific input near Hokersar where the militants hurled grenade on the searching party and fired indiscriminately on troops while laying cordon. On receipt of this information Srinagar police immediately along with Police Component Srinagar and Valley QAT CRPF rushed to the spot.”

Officials stated that search party of 02 RR was heavily fired upon by the militants hiding inside the building which was retaliated.

They added that repeated announcements were made to the hiding militants to lay down their illegal weapons and surrender, instead the hiding militants fired continuously upon the searching party.

Officials further stated, “Due to darkness the operation was suspended however the cordon remained intact throughout night. On 30th morning with the first light repeated announcements were again made to hiding militants to surrender, but the they fired indiscriminately on security forces which was retaliated again resulting in elimination of militants,” adding that the operation ended over at 11:30hrs in which all the 03 hiding militants were killed.

“Upon their search, arms (One AK 47 rifle & two pistols) & ammunition and other incriminating material along with some documents were recovered,” officials stated.

The statement further read, “From the recoveries, their identity has been established as Ajaz Maqbool Ganie, Ather Mushtaq both residents of Pulwama and Zubair Lone resident of Shopian.”

Officials said that some families from South Kashmir came to PCR and claimed them to be their wards. They have been sent to Ganderbal for further identification and participation in last rites in the presence of Magistrate.

“In this connection a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated,” they added.

In the statement officials said that a few incidents have occurred in this area recently and reportedly these militants have also came from South Kashmir to target convey of security forces.

They added that people are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any.

The statement further read, “Although the three killed militants in todays encounter were not mentioned in our list of militants, yet two of them are hardcore associates of militants (OGWs),” adding that one of the two is relative of top HM commander Rayees Kachroo who was killed in 2017. Reportedly, third might have joined very recently.

Officials stated, “Generally parents don’t have idea about the activities of their wards. Several OGWs after committing terror crimes like grenade throwing & pistol shooting etc stay normally with their family,” adding that for instance, one student from Pulwama who was taking coaching in Srinagar was caught for lobbying a grenade with the help of CCTV’s footage. His parents were totally unaware about his militant activities.

“Police is investigating the case and after thorough investigation will come to the conclusion soon on merits,” the statement read.

Officials further mentioned that the trio killed in today’s encounter were given ample opportunity to surrender both yesterday evening and today morning but they didn’t surrender and instead fired and lobbed grenades on search party.

“IGP Kashmir has requested the parents to keep close watch of their wards and keep strict vigil about their day to day activities to ensure that they may not indulge in any subversive or militants activities,” the statement read. (KNB)

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