Two infiltrators were shot dead by the Army in Tootmar Gali area near the line of Control (loC) in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday. The army said that a massive combing operation has been launched in the area to flush out more hiding militants.
“Troops guarding the loC intercepted a group of five to six militants, who were trying to sneak in near Tootmar Gali in Nowgam sector early on Thursday morning. During the exchange of fire two militants were killed while operation is going on to neutralise the others,” Defence spokesman in Srinagar Col NN Joshi said.
He said the gun-battle triggered off when a party of Rashtriya Rifles soldiers intercepted the infiltrators. “The bodies of two militants have been recovered so for,” Joshi said.
Meanwhile, Army said that it has begun a probe to know the facts on the death of a civilian porter who was hit by bullets at Nangni Wudar village in Watsar forests of north Kashmir’s Handwara area. The porter’s family has raised doubts on the circumstances in which he has been shot dead. The Army claimed that the porter was part of an army column that was fired upon by militants.
“On the intervening night of 24 and 25 May 2016, a joint search operation was undertaken by the Army and police, based on the specific intelligence inputs regarding movement of some militants in the area of Watsar forest about 12 kilometer west of Handwara. liaquat Ali of Nagni Wadar Payeen village, who has been working as a porter with the Army, accompanied the search party,” army spokesman said in a statement.
“At about 5 am on 25 May, the column of security forces came under fire which was immediately retaliated. After a brief exchange of fire, the area was searched during which liaqat Ali was found injured. After administrating immediate first aid, the individual was evacuated by foot to the Handwara-Bunawadar road head but he had unfortunately succumbed to the injuries. His body was handed over to police at 6:30 am,” he said.
The family of the porter has raised questions on the army’s claim. They say as to how a civilian porter was part of Army’s anti-insurgency operation and how he alone received bullets on his chest. Ali has been hit by six bullets. The special operating procedures bar the army and security forces to take along civilians for anti-militancy operations.
“An inquiry has been instituted to establish in detail the possible circumstances leading to the death of liaquat Ali. Since the deceased was working with the Army, we are committed to provide all possible assistance including authorized entitlements to his family,” Joshi said.