Ultra killed in Shopian encounter

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 28

The security forces in a joint operation killed a militant in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

Sources said the forces launched a cordon and search operation in Ganovpora village following information about the militants’ presence there. The search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire on the security forces, they added.

One militant was killed in the exchange of fire. His identity and group affiliation were being ascertained. One AK rifle and some incriminating material were seized from the encounter site, sources added.

Weapon seized

• One AK rifle and some incriminating material have been seized from the encounter site
• The slain militant’s identity is yet to be confirmed. Besides, efforts are being made to ascertain his group affiliation
• The encounter took place in Ganovpora village after security men got information about militants’ presence

Incidentally, the encounter took place a day after the security forces arrested seven associates of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and prevented six youth from joining the militancy in the UT’s Pulwama district.

In multiple raids, the security forces, including the local police and the CRPF, arrested six persons, who were “motivated and indoctrinated” to join terrorist ranks, officials said.

“They were motivated by Pakistan-based self-style terror commanders to join terrorism and asked to establish contact with their ground cadre in Awantipora and Tral area,” a senior security official said.