August 29
A Massive gunfight has erupted between Militants and Government Forces in Banpora Muniwar area of South Kashmir’s Islamabad (Anantnag) District.
Officials told The Kashmiriyat that 1 RR of Indian Army, 96 BN of CRPF and Jammu Kashmir Police jointly launched a Cordon and Search operation in the area in the wee hours of morning.
ALSO READ: Encounter Breaker and Oldest Hizb Operative Killed- Who was Altaf Kaczroo?
The Militants hiding in the area opened fire upon the forces around 5 am, triggering a gunfight post which more troops were rushed to the spot.
Locals told The Kashmiriyat that massive gunfire is on as two to three Militants are believed to be exchanging gunfire with the forces.
Meanwhile mobile internet services have been suspended in the Kulgam and Islamabad (Anantnag) district.
ALSO READ: Thousands of People gather outside the House of Altaf Kaczroo in Kulgam
Details Emerging. (The Kashmiriyat)
LIVE UPDATES:
05: 58: A House of Mohammed Altaf damaged in a massive blast as Militants were believed to be hiding there.
6:03: Complete silence prevails, no firing for the past ten minutes
6:10: More troops rushed to the spot, Restrictions imposed in the main town of Islamabad (anantnag).
6: 15: The entry and exit points to the Muniwar sealed, Barbered wires placed in the Islamabad (anantnag) near Ashajipora, Khanbal and Ashajipora.
6:18: Announcements start in Masjids, Minor clashes erupt near the encounter site.
6:20: People in large numbers try to march towards the encounter site.
6: 27: Massive gunfire resumes, another house partially damaged.
6:30: Heavy exchange of fire, heavy blasts being heard near the encounter site.
6:35 : Intense tear smoke shelling on protesters.
6:42: Firing resumes after a brief lull, Locals march try to march towards the encounter site.
6: 46: As per initial reports, two Militants are exchanging fire with the Forces.
6:50: Civilian Movement has been restricted in the Islamabad (Anantnag) township.
7:00: Complete silence prevails at the gunfight site, troopers inch closer to the site.
7:04: Fresh exchange of fire after a lull of nearly 10 Minutes.
7:06: Clashes spread as more people from nearby areas try to match towards the gunfight site.
7:15: Top commander of Hizb ul Mujahideen from Kulgam District is believed to be trapped at the encounter site, No official confirmation though.
7:21: When Combing operations were about to begin after stoppage of gunfire, Fresh exchange of fire resumes.
7:25: More troops rushed to the squad.
7: 28: Two Militants killed, Operation still on: Officials to The Kashmiriyat.
7:35: Umer Rashid from Khudwani is also believed to be trapped at the gunfight site.
7:40: Firing continues at the encounter site, More Militants believed to be holed up at the gunfight site.
7:50: Intense Aerial Firing on Protesters near encounter site in Muniwar area of Islamabad (Anantnag).
7: 55: Train Services from Banihal to Srinagar Suspended.
8:10: Combing Operations begin, No Firing heard from the encounter site for the past two hours.
8:30: Search Operations continue at the encounter Site, more people gather near the encounter site as clashes continue.
8:37: Sources inform The Kashmiriyat that two local Militant including Altaf Kaczroo who was active since 2006 and was an A++ Category Militant from Hawoora in Kulgam was trapped at the gunfight site along with Umer from Khudwani who had joined Militancy in May this year.
8: 41: No Dead Bodies recovered yet, Massive search operations put in place, Search Operation is still going on, Officials to The Kashmiriyat.
9:10: Two Bodies recovered from the encounter site, Search Operation Still on. Identity of Slain Militants being ascertained.
9:30 Operation called off, Two Militant bodies recovered during combing operations.