Early Times Report
Srinagar, Mar 23: With the first light this morning security forces resumed search operation against militants hiding in a village in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said. A defence ministry spokesman Col N N Joshi told that there was no firing in the area during the night.
Only cordon and search operation was going on, he said, adding that further details were awaited. It was also not clear whether there is any militant in the area or not,he said.
Sources said on a specific information about the presence of some militants in village Drubgam, in Pulwama district, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint operation last night.
However, when security forces were moving towards a particular area in the village, militants opened fire with automatic weapons. Security forces also returned the fire ensuing a fierce encounter.
Additional security forces were rushed to the village, where some people pelted stones and raised ''pro-freedom'' slogans.
Security forces later cordoned off entire area and nearby villages to foil any attempt by trapped militants to escape.
People were directed to remain indoor to avoid any casualty, they said the operation was stopped due to darkness they added.
However, this morning with the first light operation against the militants, believed to be three belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), was launched again.
Reports said one of the militant was a Special Police Officer (SPO) Nasir Pandit who deserted and decamped with two weapons from Srinagar residence of then minister last year. |
