Srinagar, March 9 : Two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in several-hour long gunfight that broke out in the mustard fields of Wadhakpora in Awantipore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama districton Wednesday evening.
Sources told Srinagar-based news agency GNS that after receiving tip-off about the presence of militants, government forces including army, police’s SOG and CRPF cordoned off the vast mustard fields at Wadhakpora around 3 pm today.
Several reports suggested that there were nearly 12 militants trapped in the mustard fields. The reports further said that the militants, who were mostly believed to be from LeT, had gathered in the fields to hold a meeting.
Sources said soon after cordoning off the entire area, there was exchange of fire between militants and government force which continued intermittently till evening. In the ensuing firing, two militants including Abu Okasha, who was wanted by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Udhampur attack on BSF, were killed. However, the other militants managed to escape from the spot. Another militant is also believed to be a foreigner.
Police said they have recovered body of both slain militants along with two AK 47 Rifles. Pertinently, NIA had announced 5 lakh rupees cash prize on the head of Abu Okasha for his role in Udhampur attack on BSF Last year.
Meanwhile, government forces and militants exchanged gunfire briefly at Wanihama village of Ganderbal district today afternoon. Sources said forces received a tip off about the presence of militants in Wanihama and subsequently the area was cordoned off.
“As the searches were underway, militants opened fire on government forces ensuing gunbattle which continued for some minutes. However militants managed to escape from the spot,” the sources said. The sources added that one AK 47 rifle along with few round was recovered from the firing spot by forces. (GNS)