Two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants were “motivated” to surrender during a raging encounter in south Kashmir’s Pulwama , as part of a new strategy adopted by the security forces towards local militants.
The militants were encircled by a joint team of the security forces, including the Army and the police, on Friday evening in Lelhar village of Pulwama’s Kakapora. The militants initially engaged the search party in a gunfight, which left one of them injured.
“Due to the great efforts and utmost patience of the police, security forces and repeated surrender appeals with the help of their family members, both the terrorists ultimately surrendered and laid down their arms,” Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar said.
Militant Akeel Ahmad Lone, who got injured in the initial fire with bullets, “was evacuated to hospital for treatment”, Mr. Kumar said.
An Army spokesman said a repeated offer of surrender was made for seven hours to the trapped militants. “The duo had picked up weapons in May 2020 and December 2020,” the Army said.
‘Utmost restraint’
Mr. Kumar praised the security forces for “showing utmost restraint”. “Exhibition of patience and professionalism has resulted in saving the life of two misguided youth. I make a fervent appeal to all misguided youth, who have joined terror ranks, to shun the path of violence and return to mainstream as society needs them and most importantly their parents, he observed.
The police have adopted a new strategy this year against local militants. “This year, the police policy is clear- ample time will be given to the local militants, especially new recruits, who get trapped in encounters,” Mr. Kumar added.
Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, including 1 AK-47 and 1 AK-56 rifles, were recovered from the two surrendered militants.
Mandoora operation
On the Mandoora operation in Pulwama that left three militants dead on Friday, the Army spokesman said the Army used minimum force in counter- terrorist operations, “calibrating its use of force based on the threat”.
The Army said two slain militants joined militancy in January and the third one was active since August 2020.
“The security forces have always valued the lives of the local Kashmiri youth who are misguided by anti-national elements. An endeavour is made in all encounters to seek surrender and give options to the misguided youth for return to the mainstream,” the Army spokesman added.
