Two guerrillas killed in separate gunfights in Kashmir

Two guerrillas were killed in two separate operations by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said here Tuesday.

"Based on specific intelligence, joint operations were launched in Qazigund and Tral areas of south Kashmir by army and police, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, one foreign terrorist of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and one local terrorist of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit," the spokesman said.

He said two AK-47 rifles, a pistol and ammunition were recovered in the operations late Monday night.

The first joint operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles troops deployed at Qazigund and the state police at 3 a.m. Monday, said the spokesman.

"A terrorist was hiding in a house at Shimpura village of Qazigund, taking the family members of the house owner as hostage. Keeping in mind the danger to the life of hostages, the area was cordoned till such time the safe passage could be ensured for the hostages.

"Thereafter, the terrorist was challenged and given a chance to surrender. However, the terrorist turned down the call and tried to escape, firing at the security forces. This led to a heavy exchange of fire and killing of the terrorist. Due to internal security problem in the area and constricted space, the recovery of the body and weapons was delayed till late night.

He said the body of the slain terrorist, identified as Hizbul Mujahideen's Javid Ahmed Salafi, a resident of Bulbul Naugam village of Anantnag district, as well as an AK-47 rifle, a pistol and ammunition were recovered.

"The second operation was launched at 7.p.m. Jan 20 on receipt of specific intelligence about presence of militant at Dadsara village in Tral of Pulwama district by the Rashtriya Rifles troops and the state police," said the spokesman.

He said the troops moving towards the house, where the terrorist was hiding, came under heavy, indiscriminate fire, and retaliated "instantly, effectively and with due care to the civil population".

"The operation was called off in the morning (of Tuesday). The body of the slain terrorist was recovered along with an AK 47. He was identified as Raza Muzaffar, a foreign terrorist from Muzaffarabad (in Pakistan-administered Kashmir), belonging to the JeM," the spokesman said, adding the operations were "surgically conducted without any collateral damage or casualty to own forces".

Srinagar-headquartered Chinar Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh commended the participating troops and officers of army and the police for these operations, giving an opportunity to the local terrorist to surrender and ensuring that there was no collateral damage.

"Operational success in counter terrorist operations is measured by the ethicality, honesty and zero collateral damage and I commend the joint efforts of security forces to live up to the dictum," he said.