June 29: On a specific input generated by Anantnag Police regarding presence of militants in village Khulchohar area of Anantnag, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by JKP, 19RR and CRPF in the said area.
During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the joint search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter.
In the ensuing encounter, 03 militants were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. The identification and affiliation of the killed militants is being ascertained. As per source one of the militant is Masood Ahmd Bhat resident of Doda (District Commander of HM outfit) and other two unidentified militants are from LeT outfit.
Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes.
The dead bodies of the killed militants have been sent to Handwara for their last rites after conducting medico-legal formalities including collection of their DNA. In case any family claims the killed militants to be their kith or kin, they can come forward for their identification and participation in last rites at Handwara.
IGP Kashmir appreciates JKP and SFs for exercising utmost restraint, thereby ensured a clean operation with no collateral damage.
In this connection a case under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Mattan and investigation has been initiated.
People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any.
