Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday said that eleven militants, three soldiers and two civilians were killed during two gunfights in Dragad and kachdoora villages of Shopian district.
“Pursuing credible leads of presence of militants, Shopian Police and SFs started a search operation in Draghad and Kachdoora areas of Shopian district. While the searches were going on, the hiding militants fired upon the search parties, ensuing encounters at both the sites,” said a spokesman, in a statement.
“At Draghad, seven militants were neutralized. They have been identified as Adil Ahmed Thoker of Humhuna, Nazim Dar of Nagbal, Ubaid Shafi Malla of Trenz, Yawar Itoo of Safanagri, Rayees Ahmed Thoker of Padarpora, Zubair Turay of Shopian and Ashfaq Malik of Pinjura.”
“Apparently this group had joined HM in the summer of 2017 and were involved in series of cases of attacks on civilians and security forces; killing of Lt. Umer Fayaz is one among them.”
He said all the bodies have been handed over to families for their last rites.
“At Draghad, while the search party entered the target house, they found body of one Mushtaq Ahmad Thoker along with the dead militants. There was no collateral damage of property at this encounter site,” said the spokesman. Thokar was reportedly owner of the house in which the militants were hiding.
“At Kachdoora Shopian, three more militants have been killed whose identities and affiliations are being ascertained.”
Three army men were killed in the gunfight at Kachdoora. “A civilian namely Zubair Ahmad Bhat resident of Gopalpora received fire arm injury in cross fire and subsequently succumbed. Some of the other injured in the incident are being treated at different hospitals.”
“Incriminating material including AK 47 assault rifles, grenades etc have been recovered. FIRs into the incidents have been registered and investigation taken up.”
“We request citizens not to fall prey to any speculations and rumors which are intended to disturb peace. J&K Police seeks your cooperation for maintaining order.”