The Hindu : National : Two Hizb militants holed up in Kashmir mosque killed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 01, 2007
ePaper

National

National

Two Hizb militants holed up in Kashmir mosque killed

Shujaat Bukhari

One was most-wanted local commander of the outfit

. — PHOTO: NISSAR AMHED

Show of protest: People of Tujan village in Kashmir protest on Sunday against alleged damage to the mosque by the security forces during an encounter with two militants

SRINAGAR: Two Hizb-ul Mujahideen militants, holed up in a mosque in Budgam district, were killed by security forces on Sunday. Police said the there was minor damage to the mosque.

The militants, while being chased by the police and troops of 53 Rashtriya Rifles, took shelter in the mosque in Tujan village on Saturday afternoon. The mosque was cordoned off and reinforcements were called in.

Open fire

When the security forces asked the militants to surrender, they opened fire. The Rashtriya Rifles withdrew from the operation around midnight keeping in view religious sensitivities in the month of Ramzan but the police continued the siege.

The police burst tear-gas shells, forcing one militant to come out. He was killed. The other one was killed inside the mosque, a senior police officer said.

Locals allege damage

The locals alleged that the mosque was damaged in the police action. But the police officer said the damage was minor and only the window panes were shattered.

The police identified the militants as Khursheed Ahmed Rather and Nazir Ahmed Dar.

Rather was the most-wanted local commander of the Hizb, the police said, adding that he was functioning as district commander in the area.

Nazir returned only a few months ago after living in Pakistan for eight years.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National