The militants keep on changing their locations after every gunfight and move into the dense forest area, defence officials said. In the 13 day-long operation, nine army men including two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) were killed in gunfight with hiding militants.
The security forces have launched a combing operation in the forest area of Dera Ki Gali (DKG) in Surankote and its adjoining areas in Poonch since October 11 after inputs about the presence of militants. “The arrested militant (Zia) had sneaked into this side of J&K from the same route before being arrested by security forces from south Kashmir,” they said. “The injured security men were shifted to a nearby health facility while additional troops have been rushed to the area to tighten the siege and retrieve injured Zia,” the spokesperson said adding the combing operation was going on.Īccording to police sources, Zia Mustafa, a resident of Rawalakot in PoK, was lodged in Kot Bhalwal jail for last 14 years and was taken to Mendhar on police remand after investigation revealed his alleged link with the hiding militants. When the team approached the hideout, militants fired on the search party in which two policemen, Army jawan and the arrested militant sustained injuries,” he said.Īccording to police, Zia Mustafa could not be taken out from the site due to heavy fire. “Zia Mustafa, who was arrested by troops 14 years back and was lodged at KotBalwal jail in Jammu, was taken to Bhatta Durian forest area for identification of militant hideout during the ongoing operation.
He said the gunfight took place after the security men came under heavy fire from militants during the search operation in the forest area.Ī police spokesperson said two policemen, a jawan along with a captured LeT militant from Pakistan were injured in the fresh firing.
“Further details are being ascertained,” the official said.Īnother police official said a fresh gunfight took place between militants and security forces at the Bhatta Durrian forest area of Mendhar in Poonch district. The deceased has been identified as Shahid Aijaz of Anantnag.