Gunfight on at Khanmoh:Militants trapped; PSO, trooper injured

Srinagar, March 15: A paramilitary CRPF trooper was injured in an ongoing gunfight at Balhama area of Khanmoh in outskirts of Srinagar city on Thursday.
The encounter ensued after militants made an abortive bid to snatch a rifle of the personal guard of BJP leader Mohammad Anwar Khan near Arsh medical institute in Balhama, Khanmoh. The PSO identified as Bilal Ahmad suffered injuries in the incident.
Soon army, CRPF, and SOG rushed to the area and cordoned off the entire as they intensified the searches, the militants hiding in the area fired upon joint team ensuing a gunbattle which was going on when this report was filed.
In the initial exchange of fire one CRPF trooper identified as Pradeep Kumar of 110 bn got injured and shifted to army’s 92 base hospital for treatment.
CRPF spokesperson confirmed that Pradeep had suffered shoulder injuries.
Earlier, a police spokesman in a statement issued said that militants fired upon the PSOs of political activist Dr Anwar Khan while the latter was visiting Arsh institute at Khonmoh area in the outskirts of Srinagar city. The incident happened outside the institute where the PSOs were present.
“The PSOs of the protected person repulsed the attack while exhibiting extreme caution to avoid any collateral damage leading the militants to flee from the spot. In the said incident one PSO namely Bilal Ahmad has sustained minor injuries,” the spokesman said.
The suspected area has been cordoned off by police and security forces and is being searched. As per recent update, contact has been established, militants are hold up. Police have registered a case under relevant sections and investigation is in progress, the spokesman added.
Director General of Police, S.P Vaid said that three militants in an undisclosed location are trapped and engaged in encounter after an unsuccessful attempt of weapon snatching from PSO.
In wake of the encounter, authorities decided to reduce mobile internet speed in police district Awantipora as a precautionary measure.
Official sources said that police have sent a communication to the cellular companies wherein it has directed them to reduce mobile internet (4G/3G) into 2G speed in Pampore, Tral of police district Awantipora with immediate effect.
As per the directions, the companies have been asked not to keep speed more than 128 kbps.