Exchange of fire in north Kashmir forests continues

The exchange of fire between the security forces and militants continued intermittently for the second consecutive day today near the forests of Warnow village in Lolab, Kupwara district.

Sources said the firing again resumed this afternoon from both the sides but there were no reports of casualties from either side. They said the village close to the forests was under cordon to ensure that no militant escaped from the spot.

“Intermittent firing between the militants hiding in forests and the security forces resumed this afternoon. But there are no reports of any casualties from either side. The cordon of the village continues. Few households were searched for the presence of militants,” said a source.

A joint team of 18 Rashtriya Rifles and the task force of the police had cordoned off the forests and part of the village and were involved in the exchange of firing since yesterday morning.

The firing was suspended last evening. The sources said the militants again resumed firing today, which was retaliated by the troops.

“Five to six militants, including one of the most wanted LeT commanders Qari Mohammad, are believed to be hiding in the forests,” the source said.

A senior police officer said there were chances that the operation would prolong for at least two more days as the militants were hiding in inaccessible dense forests.

(Free Press Kashmir)