Srinagar: Two newly-recruited militants surrendered after gunfight in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, police said on Wednesday.
“Based on specific input generated by Police about the presence of (militants) Hadigam, Kulgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police and Army’s 9RR in the area,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.
“During the search operation as the presence of (militants) got ascertained, they fired indiscriminately upon the search party which was retaliated, leading to an encounter,” he said, adding, “Initially, the civilians trapped around the encounter site were evacuated safely to the safer place by the joint team.”
In the meantime as the identity of the trapped militants got ascertained, he said, the joint team showed utmost restraint and provided the trapped militants an opportunity to surrender. “Their family members were also called to the encounter site to motivate and persuade them to surrender,” he said, adding, “After repeated surrender appeals made by their parents, police and security forces, both the trapped (militants) finally surrendered before the joint team of police and security forces”.
They have been identified as Kafeel Ahmad Mir son of Javid Ahmad Mir of Mirpora Qaimoh and Nadeem Abbas Bhat son of Mohammad Abbas Bhat of Reshipora Qaimoh.
He said incriminating material including arms and ammunition and other war like substances have been recovered from their possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.
As per police records, both were part of “recently recruited module of LeT”. “These youth were brainwashed and tasked to carryout anti-national activities and killings at the behest of LeT.
IGP Kashmir reiterated his appeal to the parents to keep strict vigil on their wards to prevent them from indulging in any “anti-national” activities especially joining the militant ranks, the spokesperson said.
“He further said that if every parent persuades and appeal their (militant) sons to shun the path of violence, be it soon after joining (militant) ranks or during the time they are trapped during live encounters, many lives can be saved as two lives were saved in today’s encounter.”