On a day when Army Commander reviewed security situation in Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation of a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) formation in south Kashmir’s lethpora area on December 31. Three suicide attackers, two locals and one a suspected Pakistani national were killed in the prolonged shootout that also resulted into death of five CRPF men. Police had registered a case in Awantipora station to investigate the attack.
“In compliance of the ministry of home affairs, Government of India order, dated 26 February 2018, NIA has re-registered case FIR No 150/2017 dated 31.12.2017, PS Awantipura, J&K, under sections 459, 460, 307 of Ranbir Penal Code, sections 7 & 27 of Arms Act and sections 16, 18 & 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 as NIA case RC-10/2018/NIA/DlI, on 27.02.18,” a statement by the investigating agency said.
Police said the attack was executed by Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit, weeks after its top-ranking commander Noor Muhammad Tantray alias Noor Trali was killed in an encounter at Sambooba village, five kilometers from lethpora. Trali was a dwarf man, involved in an arms smuggling case in New Delhi. He had served a long jail term and was on parole when he rejoined the JeM outfit. Police said that he played a vital role in reorganizing the JeM outfit and masterminding several suicide attacks on security forces.
Meanwhile, General officer commanding-in-chief of the northern command lt Gen D Anbu reviewed the prevailing security situation in Kashmir Valley amidst heightened tensions along the line of Control. Anbu visited the forward areas in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and was briefed by the commanders on ground as regards the operational preparedness. He was accompanied by XV Corps commander lt Gen AK Bhatt.
The Army Commander was appreciative of the measures and Standard Operating Procedures instituted by the units and formations to meet the challenges of infiltration bids and ceasefire violations. Anbu, according to a defence spokesman, asked the troops to continue strict vigil to thwart any nefarious designs of inimical elements and also to provide all necessary relief and assistance to the locals affected by the recent cease fire violations.
The Army commander was briefed by the Corps commander on the situation along the loC and the hinterland.
The corps commander had held meetings with field commanders in two counterinsurgency division headquarters at Shariefabad (Kilo Force) and Awantipora (Victor Force).
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in Hajin pocket of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district after locals found body of a militant who had been wounded in a clash with security forces on Monday. The slain militant is suspected to be a non-local. Even as police asked the people to handover the body for autopsy, they buried the body instead.
In a statement, police said that on specific input on Monday, the security forces cordoned off Bon Mollah at Hajan. While the cordon was being laid there was exchange of fire. Though in the search operation no dead body was recovered consequently it was learnt that one militant of leT was injured in the encounter.
“Today (Tuesday) police came to know about the death of the said militant. Since the body was already in the village request was made to the villagers to handover the body to police,” police said adding that the body was buried amidst a procession led by people.
“The police are ascertaining the identity of the militant who is understood to be not a local militant. Also necessary legal action has been initiated against the people who led the protest and instigated public,” police said.
Reports said that people clashed with deployed forces while Hajin town observed a complete shutdown in wake of the death of the militant.
