Forces halt anti-terror op in Srinagar to rescue 2 trekkers

The security forces on Sunday had to halt the anti-terrorist operation briefly in Srinagar’s Zabarwan forest area after two trekkers rang up the police control room, alerting them about their presence in the area.

An exchange of fire had taken place between the security forces and militants in Zabarwan forest of Srinagar city on Sunday morning and a massive search operation was underway in the area to nab the militants.

Police sources said during the operation, the police control room in Srinagar (100) got a call from two trekkers, who were present in the same area. “The police control room immediately alerted the concerned officers, following which the operation was halted for some time and they were safely evacuated from the area,” said an official.

“The area where the firing took place was the same area, where the two men had gone for trekking and were present there,” said an official.

Officials said the trekkers work as teachers in a Srinagar school. “They told us that they are avid trekkers. As soon as they heard the gunshots on Sunday morning, the two men got scared and then alerted the police,” said security sources.

“After verifying their credentials, the trekkers were released and handed over to their families. To prevent similar incidents, the police have urged trekkers to inform the concerned police station before venturing into areas where security operations are underway,” the official said.

“A massive anti-terrorist operation was underway in the area and they used their mind to alert the police on time and it prevented an untoward situation,” the official said.

Zabarwan forest area is located close to Srinagar, and further connects to South Kashmir and Central Kashmir areas. It is after years that militants were spotted in Zabarwan forest and an exchange of fire took place.

Sources, however, said that the militants managed to escape taking advantage of the dense forests. Subsequently, the search operation was called off.