Four militants, including a non-local Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) 'commander, were killed and a civilian was injured in three anti-militancy operations of the security forces in Kashmir in the past 12 hours, the police said on Saturday.
"Two terrorists were killed in Chewaklan village in Pulwama in an encounter. Two more anti-terrorist operations were launched in Handwara's Nechama Rajwar area and Ganderbal's Serch area. As the joint search parties approached the suspected spots, the hiding terrorists started firing indiscriminately. Two terrorists were killed," Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said.
The police said one civilian was injured when the search party moved towards a local Darul Uloom. "Terrorist hiding inside fired indiscriminately injuring a civilian, Zahoor Ahmad Shergojri," IGP Kumar said.
The police identified the militants killed in the Pulwama operation as a Pakistani terrorist 'commander' Kamaal Bhai alias Jatt and Aqib Mushtaq alias Usman Hyder from Pulwama's Karimabad Pulwama. Both the slain were affiliated with the JeM.
"The elimination of wanted Pakistani terrorist is a big success. He has been active since 2018 in Shopian-Pulwama areas," IGP Kumar said.
The militants killed in Ganderbal and Handwara were identified as Adil Ahmad Khan from Ganderbal's Badarkund and Suhail Ahmad Ganie from Kulgam's Terigam.
"Khan was involved in an attack on BJP vice president and grenade attacks. He was motivating youth to join terror folds," the IGP added.
The police also arrested a militant, Rouf Ahmad Mir, in Pulwama's Wahibugh area and recovered incriminating material, including a pistol, two magazines, 26 rounds, 03 grenades and 01 pouch.
The police said two AK-56 rifles, one AK short barrel rifle, one Pistol, nine AK-magazines, one grenade, eight pistol rounds and 32 AK rounds were recovered during the anti-militancy operation in Pulwama, Ganderbal and Handwara.
CRPF jawan shot dead
The police said that terrorists fired upon a CRPF personnel Mukhtar Ahmad Dohi in Shopian on Saturday evening. Dohi, who was on leave, had returned home recently.
"He succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital. The area was cordoned off," the police said.
Earlier this week the body of an off-duty Army jawan was found in Budgam.
Elected representatives being provided safe shelter: police
With two sarpanchs killed this week in Kashmir, IGP Kumar said all the sarpanchs and panchs who are facing threats from terrorists have been provided safe accommodations in Srinagar and other district headquarters.
"I advise all the protected persons, especially sarpanchs and panchs to inform local police while they intend to go on any visit," IGP Kumar said.
He said terrorists, on the directions of their handlers across the border, are trying to misuse religious places to create a law and order situation. "We are alert and shall be foiling their nefarious designs," he added.
IGP Kumar also reviewed security scenario and anti- terrorist operations in Kulgam, where a sarpanch was killed on Friday.
A detailed security review of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Protected Persons (PPs) was also discussed threadbare.
"There is need to adopt proactive measures to enhance anti-terrorist grid by generating specific intelligence and intensify anti-terrorist operations in their area and to take all proactive steps for maintaining peace and stability in the district," IGP Kumar said.
