Soldier, terrorist gunned down in Pulwama
ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THERE WAS AN EXCHANGE OF FIRE BETWEEN THE TERRORISTS AND THE SECURITY FORCES IN WHICH THE SOLDIER WAS INJURED AND LATER SUCCUMBED
nSRINAGAR: An Indian soldier and a terrorist were killed in a gunbattle in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.
Following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Kamrazipora area of the district, security forces started a search and cordon operation in the night. According to officials, there was an exchange of fire between the terrorists and the security forces in which the soldier was injured. While the soldier later succumbed, a terrorist was also killed, officials said.
“A terrorist was killed and a soldier laid down his life in the line of duty. One AK rifle along with grenades, pouches and other war-like stores were recovered. Search operation is in progress,” said the Army’s Srinagar based PRO, Colonel Rajesh Kalia.
The deceased soldier was identified as Sowar Jilajeet Singh Yadav. An army spokesman said that Yadav was leading his party when it came into contact with the terrorists during the operation. Another soldier, who received injuries during the encounter, is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
“In the ensuing firefight, one terrorist was eliminated and Sowar Jilajeet Singh Yadav had gunshot wound. Despite being injured, he continued to fight.
He was subsequently evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar where he eventually succumbed to his injuries,” the spokesman said.
The slain terrorist was identified as Azaad Lalhari, a resident of Pulwama, affiliated with the proscribed outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. Another terrorist reportedly managed to flee.
In a similar incident, a soldier was injured in North Kashmir when militants fired upon a quick reaction team of army on Srinagar-baramulla National Highway. “Terrorists fired at a Quick Reaction Team ( QRT) of Indian Army today. The QRT was moving from Baramulla towards Gulmarg on the Srinagar-baramulla National Highway near Trumgund Hygam crossing. One Army soldier injured. Search operation in progress,” Colonel Kalia said.
Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a terrorist affiliated with the proscribed outfit
Lashkar-e-taiba from Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora, and recovered arms and ammunition from his possession.
ADEQUATE SECURITY FOR PANCHAYAT MEMBERS: J&K L-G
J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that adequate security will be provided to the panchayat members and political workers in Kashmir and asked them to remain extra careful.
Sinha who last week took over as the new Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir while speaking at a function in Srinagar said many people raised the issue of security with him and around 20 of our colleagues have lost their lives. “We are making all the security arrangements and a fresh review is being carried out for the security,” he told the panchayat members.