17 locals, 40 foreign militants active in North Kashmir: Police

Srinagar, July 13: Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Sulaiman Chowdhary Monday said two foreigners were among the three LeT militants killed in an encounter with the security forces in Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

As per Kashmir Despatch Correspondent addressing the media, DIG north Kashmir said Usman, who was killed in the encounter was involved in recent attack in Sopore town during which Central Reserve Police Force man and a civilian were killed.

DIG said, “On the specific information search and cordon operation were launched in Sopore area on intervening night of 11 and 12th July”.
He added, “While searching houses and evacuating civilians from nearby house, the militants hiding in the nearby houses starting firing indiscriminately on the security forces which led to the encounter during which three militants were killed. Out of three militants, two have been identified as foreigners.

DIG identified the duo with the code name of Usman bhai and Saifullah. So far as the involvement of militants is concerned, Usman was involved in recent attack, which took place on model town Sopore, during which one CRPF man and a civilian were killed. And, so far there involvement in another incident is concerned that is being ascertained. While, the trio, were active from last two years.

“The arms and ammunition recovered from the slain militants also indicate that they were planning something big. After their killing, a major threat has been averted,” he said.

Asked about the presence of militants in north Kashmir, DIG said that there are 17 locals, 40 foreign militants active in northern region of Kashmir. He added, “Around 35-40 foreign militants are active in north Kashmir, while some 17 local militants are also with them and in past seven months they have infiltrated to this side”

5 sector commander of Army, Vivek Narang, during the press conference said, “At present, some 250-300 militants are ready on launch pads to infiltrate. But we are ready to foil their attempts as in the past many of the infiltration attempts have been foiled by the forces along LoC”. (KD)