JeM commander Sajjad Afghani killed, another militant trapped in J&K’s Shopian
Two militants have so far been killed in the gunfight, which has stretched for third consecutive day
Two militants have been killed by a joint team of government forces in southern Kashmir’s Shopian district, even as the ‘operation’ is still going on for the third consecutive day.
As per latest reports from the gunfight site in Rawalpora area of Shopian district, two militants including top Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander Sajjad Afghani have been gunned down by the forces.
Sources said that one more militant is believed to be trapped in the area while as the local police officials said that contact with the lone surviving militant has been established.
It is pertinent to mention that government forces continued with the cordon and didn’t lift the siege even after the killing of Sajjad Afghani as there were inputs about the presence of ‘more’ militants.
Meanwhile, the third holed-up militant is being ‘repeatedly offered surrender’ option by the government forces, sources said, adding that top security officials including IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and GoC Victor Force are monitoring the operation themselves.
The gunfight started on Saturday after a joint team government forces including J&K Police, Indian Army’s 34 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) after ‘inputs’ about the presence of militants in the area.
Soon after, the area witnessed gunshot sounds, which signaled the outbreak of the gun battle. Later, the ‘operation’ by the government forces was suspended due to darkness and was resumed this morning.
In the ensuing encounter, two militants including top JeM commander Sajjad Afghani and a LeT militant Jehangeer have been killed so far.
After Jahangeer’s killing on Sunday, the Indian Army claimed to have recovered a US-made M4 carbine weapon and 36 Armour piercing rounds from the slain militant.
The Army on its official Twitter handle wrote that they have recovered US-made M4 Carbine, 3, Magazines, 36 Armour piercing rounds and Rs 9600 from the gunfight site.
There have been reports about protests near the gunfight site as well. In response, pellet guns have been used by the government forces to disperse the protestors. At least one youth has suffered injury in his eye due to pellets.
The injured youth, as per local media reports, has been identified as Arif Ahmed Wagay son of Nazir Ahmed Wagay of Rakhnara Shopian. He has been admitted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where he is being treated.
Mobile Internet services continue to be barred in the Shopian district as a ‘precautionary measure’.
