Srinagar, Sep 17 (UNI) Three local militants were killed and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer was injured in an encounter in summer capital, Srinagar on Thursday.
A woman also lost her life in the encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO).
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh told a press conference here that following a tip-off about presence of militants, the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint CASO at 0300 hrs at Batmaloo area of the city.
Batmaloo is little over a km from Civil Secretariat, seat of the government, including the office of Lt Governor, his advisors and top bureaucrats and Police Control Room (PCR).
All exit points were sealed and with the first light this morning when security forces were moving towards target house they came under fire from militants. Security forces also retaliated ensuing in an encounter, he said, adding that a Deputy Commandant of CRPF who was leading Quick Action Team (QAT) and a woman were injured.
The CRPF officer was admitted to 92 Base hospital while woman was rushed to civil hospital, Mr Singh said. Unfortunately the woman identified as Kousar Reyaz succumbed.
Later, all the three militants, who were locals from south Kashmir, and had come Srinagar to hide were killed. He said a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants. The bodies will be will not be handed over to the families and will buried.
However, body of woman will be handed over to her relatives for last rites since she had nothing to do with militancy.
Mr Singh said militants from other parts of the valley, particularly south, are coming to city to take shelter. They are taking shelter here and later making plans how to target security forces in other parts of the valley, including Srinagar. But, he said, we are keeping a constant vigil to target militants when they arrive in Srinagar.
He said during this year there were seven successful operations in which 16 militants, including Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and commanders of other outfits were killed. Mr Singh said out of these militants only five were residents of Srinagar while 11 others were from different parts of the valley.
'Normally we initiate action against militants, he said, adding 'but some times militants too attack. This year militants killed two policemen at Nowgam, two BSF jawan at Pandach and attacked a naka party at Pantha Chowk. We lost a good officer of SOG but killed three militants after Pantha Chowk attack', he said.
He assured that militants will not be allowed to disturb peace in the city for which every step will be taken.
Mr Singh prayed for early recovery of CRPF officer and described the death of woman in the encounter as very unfortunate.
UNI ABS SB 1202