SRINAGAR: A militant killed in a gunfight with the counter-insurgent forces in Mominhall Arwani area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district was affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, police said.
A police spokesman in a statement said that based on a specific input regarding presence of a militant in village Mominhall Arwani area of Bijbehara Anantnag, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, RR and 90Bn CRPF in the said area.
The spokesman in a statement said that during the search operation, as the presence of the trapped militant got ascertained, he was given ample opportunities to surrender. However, he denied the surrender opportunities and instead fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter.
“In the ensuing encounter, one militant identified as Shahzad Ahmad Seh son of Bashir Ahmad Seh resident of Sehpora Kulgam was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter,” said the spokesman.
“As per police records, the slain militant was a categorized terrorist linked with proscribed outfit HM and was part of groups involved in several crime cases. He was involved in the killing of Police Inspector Mohammad Ashraf Bhat of Chandpora Kanelwan Anantnag at his residence on 19.10.2020, 3 BJP workers at YK-Pora Kulgam on 29.10.2020 and BJP Sarpanch and his Wife at Lal-Chowk Anantnag on 09.08.2021,” he said.
“Besides, he was also involved in attack on DDC candidate Anees ul Islam Ganie at Sagam Kokernag on 04.12.2020 and in snatching weapon from a constable at Shamispora crossing in Khudwani area of Kulgam on 25.07.2021. Moreover, he was involved in various grenade lobbing incidents and attacks on security establishments in Anantnag and Kulgam areas,” he added.
“Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition including 01 AK 47 Rifle, 02 AK Magazines, 40 AK rounds and a Grenade were recovered from his possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation,” he further added.
“Police have registered case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. People are requested to cooperate with Police till the area at encounter site is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any,” said police spokesman in a statement.