Rajouri, July 19: The siege laid by at least four units of army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was withdrawn in Mendhar tehsil of border district Poonch on Monday as the police said the militants have escaped from the cordoned area taking benefit of heavy rains Sunday night.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir, Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, Manmohan Singh said that the week-long siege in the Beri-Rakh forest was withdrawn on Monday without any further recovery. “I think militants might have managed to escape from the cordoned area,” the SSP informed.
 The siege was laid by forces on Monday last claiming that four to five militants were hiding in the forests. Army claimed to have killed two militants of LeT on Thursday after losing a Major of 37 RR Tuesday night.
 At least 11 security personnel including CO 37 RR, Ajay Katoch, a Major of 38 RR and a JCO were injured in the week-long operation.
 Army had pressed into service more than five thousand troopers including SOG personnel of JK Police in the operation where only four militants were hiding as per the army claims.
 A year ago, army had to withdraw from the same area after more than 20 days of cordon and searches.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST