Deputy SP of J&K police martyred in encounter with militants in Kulgam

Srinagar | A Deputy SP rank official of Jammu & Kashmir police got martyred in an encounter with militants in state’s Kulgam district. Three militants were also killed in the gunfight.

Police sources said Deputy Superintendent of Police Aman Thakur was martyred after being shot in the head in Turigam village.

“The officer sustained a bullet injury in his head during the encounter. He was shifted to a local hospital where doctors declared him dead,” a police officer said.

“Three militants hiding in the village have been killed and searches are now on at the site. Firing exchanges have stopped,” he added.

Three soldiers including two Majors were injured and have been shifted to a hospital.

Civilians who poured out of their homes in a bid to disrupt the anti-militancy operations clashed with the security forces near the gunfight site.

The security forces used tear smoke to disperse the protesters. Some civilians sustained injuries in the clashes.

Reports said all three slain militants belonged to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) outfit which claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide bombing that killed 40 CRPF troopers.

The Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police started a cordon and search operation in Turigam after being tipped off about the presence of militants there.

“As the security forces tightened the cordon, militants fired at them, triggering an encounter which has now ended,” an officer said.

Updated on: Feb 24, 2019 at 17:59 IST

By EP Web Desk

(With Inputs From IANS)