Security forces in Batamaloo area had jointly launched searches in the pre-dawn hours. (Express Photo By Shuaib Masoodi)
One policeman was killed while four security forces personnel were injured in an encounter which broke out in wee hours of Sunday Batamaloo area in Srinagar.
Security forces in Batamaloo area had jointly launched searches in the pre-dawn hours based on credible leads about the presence of terrorists in the area. While the searches were going on, terrorist hiding in a house fired indiscriminately on the security personnel.
In the initial burst of fire, three jawans sustained injuries and were evacuated to the hospital for medical attention. However, one of them identified as selection grade constable Parvaiz Ahmad succumbed to his injuries.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Diyarwani in Batmaloo area of the city early morning following information about the presence of militants in the area, Central Kashmir Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) V K Birdi told reporters. The spokesman said security forces exercised maximum restraint in retaliation considering the residential population and other civil establishments around the area.
A search cordon has been set and a search operation is underway in the area as a terrorist was also injured in the exchange of fire. Besides incriminating material confirming a terrorist hideout in the area, security forces detained two accomplices.
“On a specific information about the presence of terrorists in a hideout, an operation was launched in Batmaloo Srinagar leading to exchange of fire, one SOG boy martyred, one JKP & 2 CRPF Jawans sustained injuries, operation continues,” Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, mobile Internet service has been snapped in the city as a precautionary measure, the official added.
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In another encounter on August 9, the Indian Army had killed five militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba in Sopore district. One security force personnel was injured in the incident. The encounter broke out when militants opened fire on security forces while they were conducting searches inside the forest area at Ladoora.
(This is a developing story. More details are awaited)