Police Statement regarding today’s Awantipora Encounter

Srinagar, December 12 (KB): Based on a specific input generated by Police regarding presence of a militants in village Bargam area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 42RR and 130Bn CRPF in the said area.

During the search operation, as the presence of the trapped militants was ascertained, he was given ample opportunities to surrender. However, he denied the surrender opportunities and fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter.

In the ensuing encounter, the trapped militant was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter. He has been identified as Sameer Ahmad Tantray son of Ghulam Mohammad Tantray resident of Bargam Awantipora.

As per police records, the killed militant was a categorized militant linked with proscribed militants outfit JeM and was part of groups involved in several militants crime cases. Before joining militants folds he was working as a militant associate and involved in providing logistic support to the active militants in the area. He was also involved in pasting threatening posters of proscribed militants outfits in Awantipora and adjoining areas to threaten the law abiding citizens and keep them away from democratic activities.

Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition were recovered from his possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.

Police have registered case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. People are requested to cooperate with Police till the area at encounter site is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any. (Kashmir Bulletin–KB)