BSF intensifies operations
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Nov 30 — The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified counterinsurgency operations in the wake of winter in central and south Kashmir districts, even as foreign militants have made attempts on the outskirts of Srinagar city during the past two months.

According to Inspector General (IG), BSF, Mr K Vijay Kumar, looking after Srinagar and Budgam districts in Central Kashmir and Anantnag and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir, the plan "formulated to fight militants in the winter has been going on well." He was addressing newsmen here today. He said that the overall situation in the valley was under control and counterinsurgency operations were getting along on the "right lines". He added that the public in general was fed up with militancy and there was a great deal of cooperation accorded by it.

More than 80 per cent of militants operating in the area were foreigners. "There is a lesser number of local militants, most of whom include the misguided youth who are coerced and recycled as guides", he said. The ration of foreign militants has increased this year as compared to previous years, he said. "The ratio is the reverse of that of the previous years".

The Border Security Force (BSF) is celebrating its 34th raising day here tomorrow. He disclosed Jammu and Kashmir Governor Girish Chander Saxena is scheduled to attend the main function at STC here tomorrow. The programme will include a cultural programme.

Giving details of operations conducted by the BSF, the IG, Mr K Vijay Kumar said that at least 1641 militants were killed in central and south Kashmir districts during the past nine years of militancy, 8478 militants were apprehended and the troops seized 7153 arms during searches and 5.8 lakh pieces of ammunition. At least 876 militants had surrendered before the BSF since 1989. This year the BSF killed 57 militants in different anti-militancy operations while 514 weapons were seized during these searches.

Referring to the killings of BSF personnel in central and south Kashmir during the past nine years, the IG BSF said that 469 personnel were killed while 2742 others were injured. Those killed include three commandants and seven assistant commandants. Nine BSF personnel were killed in encounters with militants this year, he said.

13 militants killed in J&K
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Nov 30 — Eight militants, including three foreign mercenaries, were killed in separate encounters between rebels and the security forces in Doda and Rajouri areas during the past 24 hours.

According to official sources, security forces launched an operation against a militant hideout in Gandhov area of Doda district and killed five militants. The operation was still on and so far five assault rifles and some ammunition have been recovered.

In another incident security forces blew up a house in Dhuligam village of Banihal. One militant was killed.

Reports said that a group of militants had been hiding in the house. As the security forces cordoned off the house militants opened fire. In the crossfire the house was completely devastated. The operation is still on and the security forces have started search operations as some of the militants may have escaped from the area.

In Rajouri two foreign mercenaries were killed when Army jawans on partol duty spotted a group of militants and opened fire.

SRINAGAR: Five foreign militants and three civilians were killed in separate incidents of militancy across the valley since Sunday, reports said.

The police said that five militants were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Nowgam sector of Kupwara district yesterday.

Nowgam sector, close to the line of control, has witnessed a number of such incidents this summer in which over two dozen infiltrators were killed in different incidents. When reports last came in, the encounter in Nowgam sector was going on, police said.

Militants hurled a grenade in the Sirajpora-Oapwani area in Handwara area of Kupwara district. The police said that four boys were injured in the grenade explosion. One of them later succumbed to his injuries.

Two persons were shot dead in separate incidents in Kupwara district. Militants shot dead Ghulam Nabi Ganai, a Forester in the Forest Department in Chak Dodipora village. A resident of Khannabal, Handwara in the same district, Ganai was on duty in the area.

A surrendered militant was shot dead at Sarkoli, He has been identified as Farooq Ahmad. The security forces also recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition during search operations, police said.