Ultra who killed ASI shot in Anantnag encounter

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 26

Security forces have killed a terrorist belonging to the Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir outfit, who was reportedly involved in the killing of an assistant sub-inspector, in an encounter in Anantnag, officials said on Sunday. The slain man has been identified as Faheem Bhat, resident of Anantnag.

The encounter at K Kalan, Srigufwara area of the south Kashmir district, began late on Saturday night, the officials said, adding that it was the third encounter between security forces and terrorists on Saturday. Two terrorists each were killed in Shopian and Pulwama earlier on Saturday.

A senior J&K Police official said security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in K Kalan following inputs about the presence of terrorists. The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding terrorists fired on the forces, who retaliated.

Kashmir IGP Vijay Kumar tweeted that Faheem Bhat had recently joined the ISJK and was involved in killing of ASI Mohd Ashraf, who was posted at Bijbehara police station. ASI Ashraf was shot outside the Bijbehara hospital on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, at least two policemen sustained injuries after militants lobbed a hand grenade near the post office in Pulwama on Sunday afternoon. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation to nab the culprits, they added.

Search operation

• A hunt for terrorists has been launched after two cops were hurt in a grenade attack in Pulwama district.
• The incident occurred at the main chowk of Pulwama. The injured police personnel were rushed to a hospital.

Slain militant was ISJK member

• According to police, the slain ultra was involved in killing of ASI Mohd Ashraf, who was posted at Bijbehara police station.
• Identified as Faheem Bhat of Kadipora in Anantnag district, he is said to have joined Islamic State Jammu & Kashmir recently.