Pictures By Zargar Zahoor
Srinagar, Mar 16: Police on Wednesday said that three militants, allegedly involved in the killing of a Sarpanch here ten days ago, were killed in a gunfight with a joint team of police and army in Nowgam area in the city outskirts.
“Based on a specific input generated by Police regarding presence of (militants) in Nowgam area of Srinagar, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police and (army’s) 50RR in the area (at around 2 a.m.),” a police spokesman said in a statement.
“During the search operation, as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding (militants) fired indiscriminately upon the search party which was retaliated effectively leading to an encounter. Later on CRPF also joined encounter,” he said, adding, “In the ensuing encounter, three (militants) were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter.” They have been identified as Adil Nabi Teli of Galchibal Chandhara, Pampore, Shakir Ahmad Tantray of Ronipora Shopian and Yasir Ahmad Wagay of Kujer Frisal, Kulgam.
“As per police records, the killed (militants) were affiliated with LeT (TRF) and (were) active since year 2021,” he said, adding, “They were part of groups involved in several cases including attack on Police/SF”.
While interacting with media, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that all the three killed militants were involved in the recent killing of Sarpanch Sameer Ahmad Bhat at Khanmoh Srinagar. “Besides they were planning to attack on security forces on the (highway).”
Pertinently, he said Teli along with his associates was also involved in killing of Inspector Pervaiz Ahmad Dar at Menganwari Nowgam on 22 June 2021, killing of Javaid Ahmed Malik at Lurgam Tral, the IGP said. “Besides, he was also involved in grenade attack on joint party of Police & CRPF at Barbarshah Srinagar in which one civilian was killed and three civilians were injured.”
Similarly, Shakir Ahmad and Yasir Ahmad were also involved in several cases including killing of ASI Mohammad Ashraf near PS Bijbehara, Anantnag on 22 December 2021.
“Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including one AK rifle, three AK Magazines, 14 AK rounds, two Pistols, four Pistol Magazines, six Pistol rounds were recovered from the site of encounter”. IGP Kashmir termed the killing “wanted” militants as a big success and “congratulated the joint forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage.”
