Srinagar, Dec 26: A 14 hour-long search operation launched by government forces in vast fields of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district ended on a peaceful note even as forces managed to bust a hideout which they believed was used by Hizbul Mujahideen Operational Commander, Riyaz Naikoo.
As per reports, combined forces comprising Army’s 55 Rashtriya Rifles, SOG in Pulwama and Awantipora, 182 and 183 Battalions of paramilitary cordoned off a vast Badarwan field area of Pulwama district at around 10 on Tuesday night.
The areas that were brought under siege included Chakoora, Babgam, Nawnagri, Wasoora and other hamlets.
A police official said that cordon and search operation was launched after they received inputs about the presence of militants in these fields.
During the operation, choppers were pressed into service to track down the militants while sniffer dogs were also used.
Reports said that reinforcement was called in during morning hours of Wednesday and cordon was extended after a hideout was busted in these fields.
Sources said that blankets and eatables were found in the hideout that was later blown away by the forces.
A police official on condition of anonymity said prima facie it seemed that Hizb top commander Riyaz Naikoo was using the hideout.
“The cordon was extended to locate more such hideouts, however, we didn’t find anyone. The contact with militants was also not established as a result the operation was called off at around 1 pm (Wednesday),” he said.
Authorities had suspended internet service in parts of Pulwama to block the information about the operation.
Tral hideout blasted after it attracted visitors
Srinagar, Dec 26: Government forces on Wednesday morning blasted the hideout used by militants in Arampora Tral village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
On December 22, six militants from Zakir Musa led AnsarGhazwatul Hind were killed close to the hideout. They were identified as Soliha Ahmed Akhoon from Arampora, Rasik Ahmed Mir, Rouf Ahmed Mir, Omar Ramzan, all residents of Dadsara Tral, Nadeem Ahmed Sofi of Batagund and Faisal Javaid Khanday of Amlar Tral.
After the incident, thousands of people thronged Arampora to have a glimpse of this ‘sophisticated’ hideout.
Locals said that people from all across Kashmir visited this hideout for the last four days.
A police official said that the hideout had become a ‘festival spot’ where people thronged in large numbers. He confirmed that it was blasted on Wednesday morning. (CNS)
