Balhama Encounter: Two militants killed
As the encounter ended, people of the locality rush to have a look at houses destroyed during the gunfight at Balhama. PIC/Javed Khan
Srinagar, Mar 16: Two militants have been killed in an encounter with security forces which broke out after they attempted to snatch the weapon of the personal security guard (PSO) of a BJP leader in Balhama area yesterday.
The militants yesterday tried to snatch the service rifle of constable Bilal Ahmad, who is the PSO of BJP leader Anwar Khan, at Balhama in Pulwama district.
The police personnel accompanying Khan foiled the attempt, during which Ahmad received a bullet injury while the militants reportedly took shelter in some residential houses.
The houses were cordoned off by the government forces and in the ensuing encounter two militants were killed, officials said, adding the bodies of two militants have been recovered so far.
The slain militants were identified as Rasiq Nabi Bhat of Tral and Shabir Dar of Awantipora, police said, adding the bodies were handed over to their families for last rites.
“Incriminating materials, which include weapon and ammunition, have been recovered as well,” police said.
Searches are going on at and around the encounter site as there were reports of third militant as well at the time of weapon snatching attempt, police said.
Militants give slip to forces in Hajin
BY: Reyaz Rashid
Hajin, Mar 16: Militants today managed to give slip to government forces after breaking the cordon with brief exchange gun-fire in Hajin town in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Sources said following specific inputs about the presence of 2-3 LeT militants in a residential house at Khos Mohalla of Hajin town, Special Operations Group of police, 45 Bn Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Army’s 13 RR unit cordoned off the village and tried to zero-in on a residential house around 3:00 am.
However, the militants broke the cordon and gave slip after brief exchange of gunfire with the forces during the searches.
Witnesses said there was also stone-pelting on government forces when they were lifting the cordon.
