2 LeT militants surrender in Kulgam
Srinagar, July 6 (UNI) Two newly recruited militants surrendered during a gun battle on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said.
They said the two local militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba surrendered on the appeal of parents and forces during the encounter which had started at Hadigam village of Kulgam during a cordon and a search operation.
“During the #encounter, 02 local terrorists surrendered on the appeal of their parents & police. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition recovered,” a police spokesman said.
Srinagar-based defense spokesman said the cordon of the area was laid at around 1 am following a specific input about the presence of militants in Hadigam.
“Search of the suspected houses commenced at 2:30 AM, during which the terrorists opened fire onto the security forces from inside the house. At the same time it was ascertained that both terrorists were newly recruited local youth and their families were desperate to get them back into the mainstream,” the spokesman said.
He said the forces showed restraint and did not engage the militants inspite of being under fire from them.
“Terrorists were kept contained in the house with utmost restraint displayed by Army and JKP. The families of both terrorists were brought to the encounter site to appeal for their surrender.
Repeated surrender appeals were made by the parents and security forces till morning. Both terrorists finally surrendered by laying down their arms in the morning,” he added.
The two were identified as Nadeem Abbas Bhat and Kafeel Mir both residents of Qaimoh Kulgam who were part of a recently recruited module of LeT.
“These youth were brainwashed and tasked to carryout anti national activities and killings at the behest of LeT and ISI. Security forces remain committed to encourage and facilitate return of misguided youth from the path of terrorism, ” the spokesman said.
Police said the search operation is underway.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti lauded forces for saving two lives.
UNI
