Four people, including three militants and a woman, were killed in an encounter in the heart of Srinagar on Thursday. One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer also sustained injuries during the operation.
“All the three militants killed in Batamaloo area of Srinagar were locals from south Kashmir,” Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said at a press conference in Srinagar after the operation was over.
One woman, identified as Kounsar Jan, 45, also died in the firing.
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Violent protests broke out in Batamaloo over the killing of the woman, as youth hurled rocks at the security forces. Security forces used tear smoke shells to bring the situation under control.
“The killing of the woman in cross firing is unfortunate. I express my sympathies to the bereaved family,” said Mr. Singh.
The encounter broke out around 2.30 a.m. when a joint team of the police and the CRPF zeroed in on a house, following a tip-off, in the congested locality of Batamaloo. “They were offered [the option] to surrender but they refused,” Mr. Singh said.
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A CRPF spokesperson said Deputy Commandant Rahul Mathur, who showed exemplary courage, also sustained two bullet injuries. “He has been taken to the 92 Base Hospital and is being treated,” the spokesman said.
The police said arms and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants. “Efforts are always put in to ensure zero collateral damage. Today’s operation was the seventh in Srinagar this year. The biggest success, however, was the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Junaid Sehrai [in May],” Mr. Singh said.
The toll of militants killed this year has now risen to 177 militants in 72 operations across the Kashmir valley. Twenty-two foreign militants were also killed during this period.
Mr. Singh said Pakistan was trying to float new outfits “to create confusion”. “Efforts are being made to revive Al-Badr. Despite huge efforts by militants and their handlers across, 20 youth who trod the wrong path returned,” he said.
The deceased woman’s son Sofi Aqib said the car he and his mother were travelling in was fired upon from behind during the operation. “Bullets hit my mother in the head. She was seated next to me and died on the spot,” Mr. Aqib said.
One residential house was also damaged in the encounter.
The slain militants were identified as Zakir Ahmad Paul from Shopian and Ubair Mushtaq Bhat from Kulgam, both associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen, and Adil Hussain Bhat from Awantipora, associated with the Al-Badr.
Probe into Sopore death
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the death of a youth from Sopore, who was allegedly found dead the day he escaped from the custody of the police on Wednesday in Baramulla district.
A Government Order said the District Magistrate, Baramulla, will investigate the matter.
“The youth (Irfan Ahmed) died after falling on a stone. He may have died due to a cardiac arrest when he fled during a raid amid darkness. Let the inquiry team and medical team come up with exact details about his death,” Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said.
The police claimed the youth was an over ground worker of the militants.