Army commander meets civilians in Poonch

The Chief of Army's Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda met civilians, including the elderly couple who were taken hostage by militants last week, in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district and awarded them for their contribution in the three-day long encounter.

He visited Poonch to commend the contribution of civilians and JK Police, and their assistance to the Army in the successful anti-terrorist operation which resulted in elimination of four LeT terrorists, a Defence spokesman said.

The Army Commander appreciated the "spirit of cooperation" that was displayed by the locals and the synergy exhibited between the army, the police and the civil administration which assisted the joint parties of Army and police in preventing destruction and violence during Eid, he said.

Four militants were killed and a cop laid down his life and seven people, including a police officer, were injured in the three-day long encounter in Poonch town from Sunday last.

The General met Haji Najir Hussain Mir and his wife and commended the couple for their bravery and presented them the Army Commander's Commendation, the spokesman said.

SSP, Poonch, J S Johar was also awarded the Army Commander's Commendation for his sterling role in the operations, he said.

The militants held Mir and his wife Mumtaz Mir hostage. Haji Nazir Mir is a cousin of the Congress MLC and Deputy chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council Jahangir Hussain Mir.

Both Mir and his wife, who had locked themselves inside a room in the building, were rescued unhurt after the militants were killed on September 11.