Bandipora: The government forces’ chase of militants has entered fifth day. They are evading every move by forces inside forests in Panar forest of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district entered 5th day on Wednesday.
The encounter between militants and government forces erupted, according to sources, after the two came face to face triggering exchange of fire.
While militants withdrew to inside forests, sources said, area was quickly cordoned off and more force personnel were rushed in.
Sensing difficulty in operational tactical level para troopers and commandos were called in on third day.
They said that though there was a brief lull in gunfire yesterday, massive exchange of gunfire erupted between the two sides in the night.
”Since then the exchange of gunfire was on”.
Sources earlier had said that a group of militants was moving through the forests when they encountered with army patrol on Saturday night. Since then the operation is going on in the area.
Media reports had quoted sources that the militants could be fifteen in number and majority of them might have already escaped.
They also said that “only two militants are engaging forces in the woods”.
Even though sources on Wednesday claimed that ‘they are sure they have at least killed one militant’.
Sources claimed that they found marks that suggest a body was dragged.
“But nothing can be confirmed as we are yet recover any body,” an officer wishing anonymity told INS.
The forest area is swarming with troops. It’s a joint operation of Army, SOG, para troopers and commandos.
