Srinagar: Two militant were killed while as three security personnel were also injured in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. 9 civilians were also injured when security forces allegedly opened fire.
According to a police statement, acting on a tip off Srinagar Police, Pulwama Police alongwith 55 RR and 182 Bn. CRPF launched an operation in village Bubgam Pulwama, after which militants fired upon the joint search party triggering an encounter in which two militants were killed.
According to DIG, South Kashmir Vijay Kumar, the two militants have been identified as Imtiyaz Ahmed Teli alias Fahadullah Kashmiri resident of Pulwama and Mohammad Aamir Bhat alias Khalid alias Khursheed resident of Shopian.
Meanwhile Inspector General of Police SM Sahai said that Imtiyaz Teli Fahadullah Kashmiri was a local trained militant and was presently the District Commander of LeT outfit. “He was active in the District and its adjoining districts also. He was arrested by Srinagar police and after 10 months detention was released in June 2010. However, Imtiyaz recycled again in 2011 after being motivated by the then Divisional Commander of LeT Rehman Bhaiâ€, the police spokesperson quoted Sahai as having said.
The IGP added that, Imtiyaz Ahmed Teli was involved in the grenade attack at Narwal in November in which one person had died, and five others were injured. The slain militants were also involved in the grenade attack in Bijbehara in which four tourist ladies were killed in July this year. “Though it seemed to be a gas cylinder blast at that time. However, after forensic examinations and other investigations it was termed as a grenade attackâ€, he added.
During the course of the encounter on army Major namely Tanmay Rathore, Captain O Gopal and head constable Imtiyaz Ahmad were injured. The major had been hit on his hand whileas the captain and the head constable had been hit in their legs, official sources told.
According to locals, the joint operation was launched in the southern district on Friday morning after which an encounter broke out.
9 civilians injured in firing
7 persons were injured near the encounter site at Babgam Pulwama whileas 2 others were injured when army troops allegedly opened fire on them near Shaheed Park in Pulwama Township.
According to a police statement, a mob attacked the ambulance carrying the injured at, by hurling stones. “In the retaliatory action, seven persons Mohammad yaseen Bhat son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat resident of Tahab, Ashiq Ahmad Mir son of Bashir Ahmad, Jahangir Ahmed Mir son of Bashir Ahmad Mir , Gowhar Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Mohammad Mir , Imran Bhat son of Abdul Rehman , Showkat Mir son of Ghulam Mohammad and Younis Mir son of Parviez Ahmad Mir residents of Pulwamaâ€, the police spokesperson added. Three have been admitted in Bone and Joints Hospital and four to SMHS Srinagar for treatment. The condition of all, according to the policeis reported to be stable till the reports were filed. However, the locals alleged that the forces opened fire on a group of people who were demanding release of the owner of the house in which the encounter took place.
Meanwhile, as the injured security personnel were being shifted to hospital, at Pulwama main Chowk near the Shaheed Park security personnel allegedly opened fire on civilians injuring two of them. The injured have been identified as Nisar Ahmad of Bandzoo Pulwama and Suhail Ahmad Malik of Chandgam Pulwama. Suhail’s condition is stated to be critical as a bullet has reportedly hit him in the head. Both the injured have been shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment.
According to police, a mob had attacked the ambulances carrying the injured to hospital, however, the locals have dismissed the police claim.
Tension, Clases in town
Tension gripped the entire area and restrictions were imposed in Pulwama town following the incidents. People came out on streets and protested against the army action. Clashes, incidents of stone pelting between youth and police were witnessed in the township as people were aghast over the army action in the town. The police has imposed restrictions in the entire area.
An agitated mob later attacked the scorpio vehicle of Assistant Commission Revenue Shopian Parvez Sajjad injuring his along with his PSO Imtiyaz Ahmad and driver Gulzar Ahmad. The injured were shifted to district hospital pulwama where they are said to be under treatment.
Meanwhile, according to eye witnesses, security forces personnel went berserk at District Hospital Pulwama resulting in damage to property. They alleged that patients, attendants and staff at the DH Pulwama were beaten recklessly by personnel of army and police.
DC Pulwama orders magisterial enquiry
Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, has ordered a magisterial probe into the police firing incident which took place in the town today.
According an official statement, the enquiry shall be conducted by Additional District Magistrate Pulwama who has been asked to furnish the report within a period of 15 days.
Meanwhile, on the instructions of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the Secretary Regional Red Cross Committee distributed Rs. 15000 among the injured persons who are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Srinagar, the statement added.
Nasir visits SMHS, SKIMS
Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani this afternoon visited SMHS and SKIMS hospital to enquire about health of injured persons of Pulwama firing incident.
Nasir directed the hospital authorities to provide adequate medicare to the injured persons so that they could recover at the earliest.
