SrinagarGovernment forces on Monday launched a cordon and search operation in six villages of Shopian district in south Kashmir while they had to beat a hasty retreat after residents clashed with them in North Kashmirs Hajin area.
Reports said that Armys 62 RR and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched searches in Matribugh, Zoipora, Dangam, Wangam and several other villages today morning.
They said that the operation was launched after specific input about the presence of militants.
During the 13 hour long search operation, government forces reportedly could not ascertain the presence of any militant. The operation was called off without establishing any contact with the militants.
Government Forces also cordoned off areas located in the peripheries of District Magistrate Office Kulgam in South Kashmir.
They blocked the Kulgam-Katrus Sangam road and has started a search operation.
The Cordon and Search Operation was launched after the inputs of presence of militants in the area.
Meanwhile, residents of Tengpora, Vijpara Hajin area of North Kashmirs Bandipora district pelted stones on a search party forcing them to retreat.
Eyewitnesses told news agency CNS that after the inputs about the presence of militants in the area, Army party from 13 RR assisted by SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Para-military Central Reserve Police Force cordoned off Tengpora Vijpara locality of Hajin town.
Witnesses added that locals hit to roads and pleted stones on the government forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shelling. The intense clashes left many protesters wounded.
Reports said that Forces lifted the cordon and retreated from the area.
SP Bandipora Sheikh Zulifkar said that minor stone-pelting incident occurred when Forces entered into the area.
Villagers protest against vandalism
Hundreds of villagers from Banzoo area of South Kashmirs Pulwama district Monday staged a protest demanding action against government forces who according to them not only thrashed people but also ransacked houses during nocturnal Cordon and Search Operation.
Bandzoo village is barely two kilometres away from District Police Lines Pulwama that was attacked by militants on Saturday killing 8 security personnel.
According to protesters who blocked vehicular movement on the road on Monday morning, soldiers from 55 Rashtriya Rifles, SOG and CRPF personnel cordoned off the village during the dead of the night and forced people to come out from their houses.
We were directed to assemble at one place while government forces thoroughly searched the houses and cow-sheds. During the 3 hour long search operation, the Forces checked the identity cards of people while they didnt find militant, the protesters told news agency CNS.
They alleged that after the culmination of search operation, an army party entered the village again and thrashed locals irrespective of sex and age. It was a hell like situation. The army men beat us up with gun butts. Over a dozen people suffered injuries. The Forces personnel without any provocation ransacked houses and inflicted major losses upon locals. They damaged doors, windows, electronic gadgets and parked vehicles. We dont understand what our fault was and why they have been doing this, they said.
The protesters demanded stern action against the soldiers involved in the mayhem.
A police official feigned ignorance about the incident while efforts to contact Defense Spokesperson didnt fructify. (CNS)
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