Srinagar: A Lashker-e-Toiba militant was killed and another surrendered during an encounter with a joint team of police, army and CRPF in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Friday, officials said.
“On a specific input regarding presence of (militants) in Hanjipora area of Shopian, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 34RR and CRPF in the area,” a police spokesman said.
“During the search operation, as the presence of (militants) got ascertained, they were given repeated opportunities to surrender.” However, he said, they denied it and fired “indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated, leading to an encounter.”
In the ensuing gunfight, he said, one militant identified as Murtaza of Samboora, Awantipora was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter.
“Meanwhile, the family members of the other trapped militants were called on encounter site to again persuade the other one to surrender. It was due to the great efforts and utmost patience of Police, security forces and repeated surrender appeals with the help of his family members, the trapped militant identified as Sahil Ramzan Dar son of Mohammad Ramzan Dar of Beminipora ultimately surrendered and laid down his arms.” He surrendered with AK-56 rifle. As per police records, the spokesman said, Sahil was active since March 2021.
Regarding Murtaza, the spokesman said that he was involved in several cases including attacks on security forces.
Besides Ak-56 rifle, one pistol, three AK-magazines, two grenades were recovered from the encounter site, police said.
Meanwhile Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar complimented search party for showing utmost patience and exhibiting professionalism by taking surrender of active militant during live encounter, thus saving a precious life.
“He once again reiterates his appeal to all misguided youth who have joined terror folds to shun the path of violence and return to mainstream,” the spokesman said, adding, “He also said that Police is committed to accept them with open arms as society needs them the most especially their parents.”