JeM Militant, Active Since 2018, Killed As Sopore Encounter Ends

'Search operation going on to sanitize the area’

Srinagar, April 8 (GNS): A JeM militant was killed in a gunfight with government forces in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday.

Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar (IPS) told GNS that while militant was killed, searches are still underway at encounter site.

He identified the slain militant has as Sajad Ahmad Dar resident of Saidapora, Sopore. The top police officer of the Kashmir said that the slain militant was active from 2018 and a number of cases were registered against him for “subversive activities.”

"The slain militant was involved in recruiting youth for joining militancy in north Kashmir," IGP said.

Searches in progress to clear the area and to ensure all explosives are cleared at the encounter site, he said.

A joint team of army’s 22 RR, 179 battalion CRPF and SOG had cordoned off Gulabad area of Arampora Sopore on Tuesday evening following inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

Following 14-hours long siege, the gunfight broke out after the government forces approached the target spot where the militants were hiding.

Last evening, the forces had also installed lights so as to prevent the escape of militant owing to darkness, they said.

A police officer said the cordon-and-search operation was launched in the area following specific information about the presence of some militants.(GNS)