Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, announced on Sunday that large-scale search operations were being conducted in the Ahlan forest area of Kokernag, Anantnag, to locate and apprehend terrorists involved in the recent encounter with security forces.
Speaking at a site of an encounter where terrorists had recently exchanged fire with security forces, leading to the death of two soldiers and a civilian, Birdi noted the complexities of the terrain and said there was reason to suspect that three to four terrorists were present in the area.
"The borders of Doda are connected with the encounter site, and it is believed that three to four terrorists are present in the area," he stated.
On Saturday security forces initiated a cordon and search operation in the Kokernag forest area. Terrorists who were in hiding in the forest opened fire as the forces closed in, leading to the death of the soldiers.
The civilian later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
IGP Birdi said the presence in the encounter area was being investigated.
"We are investigating the role of civilians as to what they were doing close to the terrorists. We will find out the role of civilians if any," he said.
When asked about the two civilians injured in the gunbattle and whether they were Over Ground Workers (OGWs) or supporters of the terrorists, Birdi responded, “Coming to any conclusion before the final investigation is over will not be accurate. Once the investigation is over everything will be shared in the public domain.”
The search operation continues in the dense forests and difficult terrain of Kokernag.
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