Indo-Pak border to be completely sealed by December 2018: Rajnath Singh

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...arget-indian-villages-in-rajouri_1951407.html

Jammu: A BSF jawan and a woman were injured and two houses damaged today when Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Nowshera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri district with mortar attacks and small arms fire, prompting the army to give a "befitting response".

The firing in Sunderbani sector is the second ceasefire violation by the Pakistani side in less than six hours today.

A BSF jawan was injured in the ongoing cross-border firing along the Line of Control(LoC) in Rajouri, a BSF official said in the evening.

A woman was injured in the firing in another incident earlier in the day.

"A woman identified as Shanti Devi (55) was injured and two houses were damaged in the heavy mortar shelling by the Pakistan army in the Khamba village in the Nowshera sector," a police officer said.

He said the injured lady has been shifted to the Sub District Hospital, Nowshera, for treatment.

Earlier in the morning, Pakistan army resorted to ceasefire violation in the Nowshera sector and in the afternoon they started firing in the Sunderbani sector targeting Indian posts and civilian areas.

"Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in the Nowshera sector from 1030 hours using 120 mm mortars and small arms fire. Our army is giving a befitting response to the Pakistani fire," a defence spokesman said.

"Pakistan army resorted to ceasefire violation in the Sunderbani Sector using 120 mm mortars, automatic and small arms from 1410 hrs and it is being responded to befittingly by own troops," the spokesman said.

On Thursday, Pakistani army had targeted Indian posts and civilian villages along the LoC in the Pallanwala sector of the Jammu district.

Pakistani troops on Tuesday targeted Indian posts with heavy firing and shelling for four hours along the LoC in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, forcing Indian troops to retaliate.

There has been a whopping 286 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and International Border(IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops that have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 security personnel, since the surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in Azad Kashmir on September 29.

PTI

First Published: Saturday, November 19, 2016 - 20:47

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...reaks-out-in-south-kashmir/article9365505.ece
Updated: November 19, 2016 18:51 IST

An encounter broke out today after security forces launched a search operation to track down hiding militants in a village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said.

Security forces this evening launched an anti-militancy operation after receiving a tip off about their presence at Begumbagh village in Kakapora area, 25 km from here, a police official said.

He said hiding militants opened fire on noticing the security forces who retaliated, triggering a gunbattle.

The encounter was going on when last reports were received, the official said, adding further details are awaited.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/581950/militant-killed-encounter-south-kashmir.html

An unidentified militant was today killed in an encounter with security forces in a village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said. Security forces this evening launched an anti-militancy operation after receiving a tip off about their presence at Begumbagh village in Kakapora area, 25 km from here, a police official said.

Hiding militants opened fire on noticing the security forces who retaliated, triggering a gunbattle, he said.

One militant was killed in the gunbattle, the official said, adding the identity and group affiliation of the slain militant is being ascertained.

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http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...ve-pak-claims-shooting-down-indian-drone.html

SRINAGAR: Two Army and BSF jawans and a woman resident were injured when the Pakistani troops targeted Indian forward posts and civilian areas in Naushehra and Sundarbani sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Saturday.

A report, not confirmed officially, said the facing troops traded fire also in Uri-Chakothi area of the de facto border on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, Pakistan army claimed that an Indian Quadcopter was shot down by it after the camera-fitted drone allegedly “intruded” into Azad Kashmir’s Rakhchakri sector along the LoC at 4.45 pm (local time). “Indian Quad Copter shot down by own Aagahi Post in Rakhchakri Sec. Had intruded 60 Ms in Pak side of LOC, fell near own Agahi Post & taken over”, Lt. Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa, director-general of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, tweeted.

Earlier, the authorities in Muzaffarabad said that four civilians including three girls were killed and two more wounded after a mortar bomb fired by the Indian troops landed inside a private house in Kerni village of Charhoi sector of the Azad Kashmir’s Kotli district on Saturday.

In Rajouri, the police and Army officials said that sepoy Kala Singh of the Army’s 8 Sikh Li, a BSF jawan Laltu Singh ( of 126 Battalion) and 55-year-old resident Shanti Devi were injured in the Pakistani shelling in Sunderbani and Noushehra sectors of the LoC on Saturday. Also, two residential houses were damaged and a buffalo died in the Pakistani shelling in Noushehra’s Makri village, they added.

The officials said that the Pakistani troops resorted to heavy unprovoked firing in Kalsian, Jhangar and Namb Karali areas of Nowshera sector in the morning. Later in the afternoon, the facing troops targeted the Indian forward posts and civilian areas with 120 mm mortars, automatics and small arms also in neighbouring Sunderbani sector. “The fire was returned befittingly using the same calibre weapons,” a defence spokesman added.

The Army and the BSF sources said that there have been as many as 286 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops that have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 Army and BSF personnel, since the surgical strikes on terrorist-launch pads across the de facto border on September 29.

On the other hand, the Pakistan has blamed India for each violation of the November 2003 ceasefire agreement that took place during past over seven weeks. On Saturday, it said that, at least, 26 civilians have been killed and 107 others wounded in the last two months due to the Indian forces firing along the LoC and the International Border (called Working Boundary by Islamabad).

 

[Hindustani78]

Some studies show that eight per cent of the population in the conflict area suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Published:November 20, 2016 10:16 am

Jammu: A villager shows the pockmarked wall of a building damaged by alleged shelling from the Pakistan side of the border, at Gopad basti village in R S Pura Sector, about 35KM from Jammu, on Thursday. PTI Photo
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-giving-rise-to-psychiatric-diseases-4385403/

Nine-year-old Khusbhoo, haunted by the memories of the horrific day when six persons of her village were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistani troops, has not slept a wink for the last 18 days. On November 1, she saw her family having a close shave as bullets and shells rained down on her village in Samba district. This shocking scene is etched in her memory.

“She is unable to sleep and cries most of the time. She has lost appetite too. She gets out of her bed in the middle of the night and starts running toward the door, crying,” her mother said.

The girl’s family initially thought her condition will improve over time, but she showed no signs of recovery. Later, her mother was advised to take her to Psychiatric Disease Hospital in Jammu.

Rakesh Banal, who is treating Khushboo, said the cross-border firing was severely affecting the mental health of those residing in border areas that witness death and destruction.

“People who witness life-threatening events, suffer injury, subjected to sexual violence or are related to victims, suffer from psychiatric disorders,” he said.

Mukesh (32), a resident of R S Pura sector, is also undergoing treatment at the hospital. He complains of insomnia and rapid heart rate. “I cannot sleep. On hearing a sound, my heart rate increases. The doctors are treating me for stress and anxiety,” he said.

Some studies show that eight per cent of the population in the conflict area suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Jagadish Thappa, former head of Psychiatric Disease Hospital, Jammu, said, “There has been an increase in the number of patients, especially from the border areas, who suffer from psychiatric diseases.

“If children see violence, firing, they are most likely to play with toy guns. It is a psychiatric disorder. And, I have seen that in Kashmir,” he said.

“We get patients who complain of anxiety, panic attacks, palpitation, irritability, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance etc,” the doctor said.

The diseases can be cured if the patient gets medical attention before the symptoms worsen, Thappa said.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-border-firing-in-Rajouri/article16664264.ece
Jammu November 21, 2016 09:34 IST
Updated: November 21, 2016 10:11 IST
Rai Singh, 40, was injured in last night’s shelling from the Pakistani side along the line of control (LoC) in the Rajouri sector in which three other BSF personnel were also injured

A BSF head constable who was injured in heavy cross-border firing from the Pakistani side succumbed to his injuries on Monday in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Rai Singh, 40, was injured in last night’s shelling from the Pakistani side along the line of control (LoC) in the Rajouri sector in which three other BSF personnel were also injured. The condition of another BSF personnel was critical.

“Last night in heavy shelling from Pakistan side along the LoC in Rajouri area, four BSF Personnel sustained splinter injuries. Head Constable Rai Singh, who was seriously injured, succumbed to his injuries, while the condition of another personnel was serious,” a BSF officer said.

Singh, a resident of Jhajjar district of Haryana, is survived by wife, three sons and mother, he said.

The army and the BSF were responding to Pakistan’s ceasefire violations and the exchange of fire was going on till last reports came in.

Sunday night’s violation of the ceasefire came a day after a BSF jawan and a woman were injured and two houses damaged when Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Nowshera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri with mortar attacks and small arms fire.

On Saturday morning, Pakistani army resorted to ceasefire violations in the Nowshera sector and in the afternoon, they started firing in the Sunderbani sector targeting Indian posts and civilian areas.

On Thursday, Pakistani army had targeted Indian posts and civilian villages along the LoC in the Pallanwala sector of Jammu district. On Tuesday, they also targeted Indian posts with heavy firing and shelling for four hours along the LoC in Rajouri, forcing Indian troops to retaliate.

There have been over 290 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops. These incidents have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 security personnel, since the surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in Azad Kashmir on September 29.

 

[Abrar Munir Rajput]

Yawns ok . proof of sirJikal strike ?

sir jee kal strike ! proof dekh k delt kr do gy ?

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...tan-mutilates-body-of-army-jawan_1952301.html
First Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 16:33
Delhi: In a cowardly act, three Indian soldiers were killed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan, the Army said on Tuesday, vowing 'heavy retribution' for the act.

The incident took place in Machhal sector in Kupwara district. The body of one of the soldiers was found tortured and mutilated.

Northern Command said in a tweet, "JKOps 3 soldiers killed in action on LC in Machhal. Body of one soldier mutilated, retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act."

On the other hand, officials said, "The cowardly act of mutilating the body of one of the Indian soldiers had all the signatures of a BAT (Border Action Team) operation by Pakistan Army using terrorists and its soldiers," as per IANS.

The three slain soldiers are - 25-year-old Prabhu Singh of Khir Jamkhas village in Shergarh tehsil of Rajasthan, 31- year-old K Kushwah of Daddupur, Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh and 25-year-old Shashank K Singh of Nasirudinpur in Mohamadabad tehsil of Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh.


Body of Prabhu Singh was mutilated, Army sources said, as per PTI.

Meanwhile, as per media reports, Army Vice Chief Lt Gen Bipin Rawat briefed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the death of soldiers.

Reacting to the incident, Parrikar tweeted, "Condemn the cowardly and brutal killing of our soldiers and mutilation of one of them. Salute these brave martyrs for their supreme sacrifice."

Earlier too, on October 28, the body of another Indian Army jawan was mutilated after being killed by terrorists, aided by the cover fire by Pakistani Army.


Terrorists had crossed the LoC at night and killed sepoy Mandeep Singh and mutilated his body in Kupwara district.

In response, the Indian Army had carried out a heavy assault in Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir, destroying four Pakistani posts.

According to figures given by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre in the Lok Sabha last week, till November 14 this year, eight Army personnel have been killed and 59 injured.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Bhamre also said that there has been an increase in infiltration attempts since the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani on July 8.

(With Agency inputs)

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Two-militants-killed-in-north-Kashmir/article16674884.ece

Srinagar: Two militants were killed in a gunfight in north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Tuesday morning.

Preliminary reports suggest that there was an exchange of fire at Gorikhan-Hajan area in Bandipora district.

An Army spokesman said two militants were killed and weapons recovered from the encounter site. "We are ascertaining the identity. The operation has been terminated," said the spokesman.

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The Army has recovered Rs. 2,000 notes from two militants who were killed in an encounter in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

A senior Army official said two notes of Rs 2,000 value were among the cash recovered from the slain militants.

“The currency has been handed over to police for further probe as to where from the currency notes were obtained by the militants,” the official said.

“From the appearance, they [slain militants] seem to be foreigners... when they had infiltrated into the Valley will be known in due course of time,” he said.

As the news broke out, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to say, "I haven't gotten my hands on a new ₹2000 note but these guys didn't take long to get theirs."

 

[Hindustani78]

By PTI | Nov 22, 2016, 07.01 PM IST
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...h-full-state-honours/articleshow/55563624.cms

ROHTAK (HARYANA): The last rites of BSF head constable Rai Singh, who was injured in cross-border firing in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, were held with full state honours at his native village Kheri Sampla here today.

As the 40-year-old's body wrapped in tricolour was brought in a bedecked vehicle, a large number of people from the village and neighbouring areas reached here to pay their last respects. His family and villagers demanded that Pakistan must be given a befitting reply.

Wreaths were laid and the martyr was given a gun salute by the BSF, which sounded the last post.

Rai Singh's eldest son lit the funeral pyre

Haryana Ministers Manish Grover and Krishan Lal Panwar, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, State Congress chief Ashok Tanwar and INLD's senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala were among those who paid their last respects.

The martyr is survived by his aged mother, wife and three sons. Singh's wife, Sunita, who had last seen her husband three months ago when he came home, was inconsolable.

Notably, Rai Singh is the third soldier from Haryana to be martyred within last one month.

Rai Singh was injured in shelling from the Pakistani side on November 20 night along LoC in Rajouri sector. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Nearly three weeks back, Mandeep Singh of the Army's Sikh regiment, was killed by militants in Macchil sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir. He hailed from Antehri in Kurukshetra district.

Barely week before Mandeep's martyrdom, BSF constable Sushil Kumar, who belonged to Pehowa in Kurukshetra district, was also martyred in Jammu district.

 

[Hindustani78]

A total of 26 people, including 14 security personnel and 12 civilians, have been killed and more than 83 suffered injuries in Pakistani shelling and firing along IB and LoC in Jammu after the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on September 29 this year.

 

[Hindustani78]

Soldiers paying tribute to Dharmendra Singh who was killed in an encounter with militants in Jammu, at his cremation at village Lohkrera in Agra.

 

[50cent]

When will Asians start learning from European stop fighting focus on economy

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...hiding-in-sopores-tujjer-village_1953012.html
First Published: Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 16:59
Sopore: Acting on a tip-off, Indian Army personnel and Jammu & Kashmir police on Thursday conducted search operations in Tujjer village of Sopore in Baramulla.

It is believed that 1-2 terrorists are hiding in Tujjer village of Sopore.

(Developing story; more detailed awaited)

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http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/army-foils-two-infiltration-bids-in-kashmir_1952974.html
Last Updated: Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 15:33
Jammu: The Indian Army on Thursday said it foiled two infiltration bids from across the Line of Control (LoC) into Jammu and Kashmir during the last 18 hours.

The Indian Army`s Udhampur headquartered Northern Command said: "Two infiltration attempts were foiled in the last 18 hours."

"Alert troops push back intruders in Gulmarg and Nowgam sectors after heavy exchange of fire."

The army sources told IANS that there was no casualty among its soldiers when these two infiltration bids by militants from the Pakistani side were foiled.

IANS

First Published: Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 15:33

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http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...phone-with-pakistani-counterpart_1952741.html
New Delhi: Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations Lt General Ranbir Singh on Wednesday talked to his Pakistan counterpart on the hotline, an official here said.

While India raised the issue of mutilation of an Indian soldier's body, Pakistan talked of civilian deaths in the firing on the border.

The telephonic talk at 6.30 p.m. was held between the two DGMOs after the Pakistani side requested for an "unscheduled hotline interaction", an official statement said.

The statement said Lt. General Singh raised the issue of infiltration attempts by terrorists from the Pakistani side into Jammu and Kashmir and the "unethical act of mutilation of an Indian soldier's body close to the Line of Control by terrorists infiltrating from Pakistan".

Three Indian soldiers were killed and the body of one of them was mutilated in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

"The Pakistan DGMO was exhorted to exercise strict control over their (Pakistan) troops to refrain from any nefarious activities. This would lead to return of normalcy along the Line of Control," the statement said.

Lt. General Singh told his Pakistan counterpart that if "any ceasefire violations were initiated by Pakistan troops or any infiltration attempts were made by terrorists from Azad Kashmir or territory under the neighbouring country's control, it would invite an appropriate response by the Indian Army".

The Pakistan DGMO, meanwhile, informed the Indian side about the alleged civilian casualties on their side due to Indian firing along the Line of Control.

"Lt. General Singh expressed grief over Pakistan's civilian casualties but emphatically said that retaliatory firing by Indian troops had only been carried out to target locations from where Pakistan had initiated ceasefire violations on the Indian posts."

"Lt. General Singh expressed his concern to the Pakistan DGMO on the casualties caused to Indian civilians and soldiers due to unprovoked firing," the statement said.


IANS

First Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 - 21:47

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[Hindustani78]

• IANS, New Delhi
  |
• Updated: Nov 24, 2016 22:08 IST

Indian army soldiers hold positions near the Line of Control in Nowshera sector, about 145 km from Jammu, in October 2016. (Nitin Kanotra / HT File Photo)
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...ls-pakistan/story-71PkqTaUACERqRxtaX0e5K.html

India on Thursday said it conveyed to Pakistan its grave concerns at the continued attempts to infiltrate armed terrorists from across the Line of Control (LoC) and noted that 27 ceasefire violations had taken place between November 16 and 21 using artillery and heavy mortar.

Giving details of the demarche issued to Pakistan deputy high commissioner Syed Hyder Shah on Wednesday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the government had reiterated its concerns about the safety of Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan who inadvertently crossed over the LoC over seven weeks back.

He said the demarche, fourth in the month, was issued on the continued violation of ceasefire from the other side.

“The Government of India stated that despite calls for restraint, Pakistan forces committed 27 ceasefire violations between November 16 and 21 by resorting to calibre escalation and employing artillery and 120 millimetre heavy mortars against Indian posts. These violent acts constitute a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement of 2003,” Swarup said.

The government conveyed that it strongly deplored “the tacit support of the Pakistan Army” to armed terrorists that came from close to Pakistan Army posts on November 22, targeting an Indian patrol near the Line of Control in Machhal Sector opposite Pakistan’s Kel Sector, and killing three Indian soldiers, including inhuman mutilation of the body of one of them.

The government also protested the deliberate targeting by the Pakistan Army of 18 villages along the LoC during the said period, which resulted in a non fatal casualty, besides causing extensive damage to public and private property and the displacement of civilian population.

“The government conveyed its grave concerns at the continued attempts to infiltrate armed terrorists from across the Line of Control to target Indian posts and patrols. During the last week alone, there have been 15 instances when terrorists indulged in nefarious actions from the vicinity of Pakistani Army posts across the Line of Control,” Swarup said.

Referring to the sepoy Chavan, Swarup said India expected his early repatriation and safe return.

India’s summons to the Pakistan deputy high commissioner came after similar steps by the external affairs ministry on November 2, 9 and 16.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...area-resort-to-fire-hurl-grenade_1953134.html
Srinagar: Another terror attack has been reported in Kashmir

According to latest reports, militants on Thursday night attacked a police station in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Reportedly, militants attacked a police station in Handwara area of Kupwara by resorting to firing and also lobbed a grenade.

He said there was retaliatory firing by the police personnel, forcing the militants to flee.

There was no report of any loss of life in the firing.

A manhunt has been launched to nab the attackers.


First Published: Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 23:18

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[Hindustani78]

People paying tributes to the two Machil martyrs after their bodies were brought to their native place in Ghazipur, UP by an IAF helicopter on Thursday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

November 25, 2016 04:23 IST
Updated: November 25, 2016 04:23 IST

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh, chief of the Western Command, at a meeting in Jammu on Thursday. | Photo Credit: PTI

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ek-by-Pakistan-says-India/article16698905.ece

NEW DELHI: The government said on Thursday that the Pakistan army was increasingly resorting to ceasefire violations and extending “tacit support” to cross border infiltration attempts.

“Despite calls for restraint, Pakistan forces committed 27 ceasefire violations between 16 and 21 November,” said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup. The government “strongly deplored” the Pakistan army’s tacit support to armed terrorists who came from areas close to the Pakistan army posts on November 22, killed three Indian soldiers and mutilated the body of one of them.

The spokesperson said the Pakistan army targeted 18 villages along the Line of Control from November 16 to 21, causing “extensive damage” to public and private property and displacing civilian population. Pakistani firing was a well-known tactic to facilitate infiltration by terrorists. “During the last week alone, there have been 15 instances when terrorists indulged in nefarious activities from the vicinity of the Pakistani army posts across the Line of Control,” said Mr. Swarup.

Pakistan should contain terrorism emanating from its soil and avoid blaming India for the situation in Kashmir, the MEA said after Islamabad took up Kashmir with foreign dignitaries and formed a special committee for its campaign. “Pakistan would be well-advised to focus its energies on stemming the rot of terrorism, instead of expending its breath in making baseless allegations,” he said.

India’s response came as Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a meeting on Thursday to review the situation after several bus passengers died near the LoC in alleged firing from the Indian side. “We cannot tolerate deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, particularly children and women, ambulances and civilian transport,” Mr. Sharif said after the meeting.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Ranvir Singh on Wednesday spoke to his Pakistani counterpart and expressed regret at the death of civilians in Indian firing. But official sources said India would not hesitate to act in the event of a terror strike. “DGMO has expressed ‘grief’ at the Pakistani civilian deaths. But it is for Pakistan to stop firing and shelling on Indian civilian areas, as otherwise we will be forced to retaliate,” said an official source.

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An Army spokesman told The Hindu that two militants and a soldier were killed so far. Representative image.
Srinagar November 25, 2016 09:55 IST
Updated: November 25, 2016 15:10 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...soldier-killed-in-Kashmir/article16699383.ece

Two militants and a soldier were killed in a counter-militancy operation in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, around 40 km away from Srinagar. The killing of the militants sparked protests from the locals who were demanding the ultras' bodies.

An Army spokesman told The Hindu that two militants and a soldier were killed so far. "Two weapons, one under-barrel grenade launcher have been recovered near the encounter site. The operation continues," he said.

The operation started around 7:45 a.m. near Sumbal township's Tujjar area. The militants started firing when the security forces laid a cordon around the area. The identity of the militants is being ascertained.

Militant held
Just hours after the two militants were killed, a local militant was held in north Kashmir's Sopore area in an anti-militancy operation.

In the operation in Sopore's Tujjer area, the Army's 22 Rashtriya Rifles, the police's Special Operation Group and 179 Battalion of the CRPF surrounded a village where militants were believed to be hiding.

Preliminary reports suggested that the local militant, identified as Abdul Majeed Mir, was apprehended. Earlier, the militant opened fire from his pistol in a bid to escape.

On Tuesday, two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were killed in Bandipora district.