2 LeT men killed in 27-hr long Karan Nagar Op

MAJID NABI. Dated: 2/14/2018 1:48:05 PM

Restrictions in Srinagar city parts

SRINAGAR, Feb 13: The 27-hour long gun battle between security forces and militants at Karan Nagar area ended today with the killing of two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants amid restrictions in several parts of old city of Srinagar.
The fierce gunfight erupted after the militants tried to launch predawn suicide attack on 23 Battalion CRPF camp stationed at Karan Nagar which was foiled by the sentries guarding the installation on Monday.
Official reports said that the militants on being challenged by vigilant guards barged into an under construction building adjacent to the camp which was at their target at 4.30 AM.
Both the holed up militants including top LeT Commander, who according to ‘informal reports’ belong to Arwani village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, were neutralized in the ensuing encounter this afternoon.
The slain militants including LeT Commander according to the pictures which went viral on all social networking sites including facebook and WhatsApp were identified as Shakoor Ahmad and Idrees Ahmad both from Arwani Kulgam.
However, there was no official confirmation about the identity of the militants as to whether they are locals or foreigners.
One CRPF Constable identified as Mujahid Ahmad Khan of Bihar was also killed and SOG man injured on the first day of encounter, however the condition of injured cop who is undergoing treatment at hospital is stated to be out of danger.
The fierce gunfight which was halted for the night on Monday at 10.00 PM after day long firing and bursting mortars and rockets to neutralise hiding militants was resumed again on Tuesday morning at 9.00 AM with all the roads lanes and by lanes blocked by forces to contain protests.
Despite transitory halt by the forces, sound of blasts amid brief lull gave sleepless night to the residents living around the encounter site. Although officials claimed families living near the building wherein militant had taken shelter were evacuated safely.
The encounter which had entered into second day today was ended with the killing of both holdup militants who according to officials belong to LeT militant outfit.
Residents said besides the main structure wherein militants had taken shelter many other structures adjacent to it suffered damages due to firing rockets and UBGL grenades.
This was the second militant attack in Srinagar city since October last year after a group of militants launched a suicide attack on a BSF camp near the Srinagar International Airport killing an Assistant Sub Inspector of the BSF and leaving four security personnel injured.
The action was followed two days after militants of storm Army camp in Jammu city leaving scores of army officers and civilians including two children dead and several army men injured.
Authorities besides snapping 4G and 3G internet services clamped undeclared curfew in old city fearing protests by the people.
It may be in place to mention that some youth had resorted to stone pelting on forces to disrupt combing operations at Karan Nagar who were later dispersed by bursting tear smoke shells.
Most of the areas in old city were clamped with undeclared curfew with thin traffic movement on roads. An unusual silence was observed in city centre Lal Chowk which otherwise remains abuzz with people and shoppers.
Roads leading to old city were blocked with concertina wires and iron barricades with thick deployment of police and paramilitary forces made to ensure the day passes off peacefully. However no incident barring minor stone pelting at Maisuma area this evening was reported from anywhere.
District administration had on Monday evening issued formal notification to suspend 4g and 3g mobile internet in the city to avoid rumor mongering. Internet services were however restored on Tuesday evening.
Later the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Swayam Prakash Pani while briefing media vis-à-vis encounter said three persons including two militants and one CRPF personal were killed and a local police man injured.
He said the government forces ensured no collateral damage of people living around the site of gunfight or property takes place.
Pani who took over the charge of IGP from ADGP Muneer Ahmad Khan said five families of security personal and few local families were already evacuated.
“Two militants of Lashka-e-Toiba outfit were neutralized while one CRPF personal martyred. The condition of the injured policeman is absolutely normal,’’ Pani who was flanked with IG CRPF, DIG CKR and SSP Srinagar added.

 

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