Security forces on 11 September killed two militants affiliated to the Hizbul Mujahideen, and arrested a third person, in an overnight encounter in Kulgam district of Kashmir.
In a similar case on 10 September, two local Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed, while the third, identified as Adil Hussain Dar, surrendered during an encounter with security forces in Shopian district. Dar was paraded before media on Monday. Muneer Khan, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, told media about Dar:
He (Adil Dar) could’ve been killed by forces, but we preferred to give him a chance to live and come into the mainstream. That’s why we caught him alive.
Heads of security forces in Kashmir address media while parading Hizbul militant Adil Dar
(Photo Courtesy: ANI screen grab)
The IGP added:
It’s a clear message to others who have been lured into all this (militancy) that if they come, we receive them with open hearts.
Z Hassan, Inspector General, CRPF told ANI:
I want to assure every person in the valley that your future would be safe if you decide to get away from whoever is misguiding you.
Dar has become the first militant to be caught alive during an encounter in several years. He had reportedly joined the militant outfit about four months ago.
The forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Khudwani area of Kulgam on Monday, following specific information about the presence of some militants there, a police spokesperson said.
During the searches in Monday’s encounter the militants opened fire at the security forces who retaliated, leading to a gunfight.
The slain militants have been identified as Dawood Ahmed Ali and Shaiyar Ahmed Wani, while the arrested militant has been identified as Arief Soni. The forces also recovered two weapons – an AK-47 and an INSAS rifle.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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