Srinagar, Mar 03: The Handwara gunfight today ended after three days of intense battle. During the gun battle at Babagund village of Handwara in district Kupwara eight persons were killed that included 2 militants, 3 CRPF men, 2 JKP cops and 1 civilian.
According to reports, eight houses including two cowsheds damaged in the ensuing gun battle. Till latest reports, the internet services were still suspended in the area.
According to police, “This operation posed considerable difficulties to the security forces due to the topography of the area. Area where the militants were hiding was very congested and civilians in the adjoining houses had to be evacuated to the safer places away from the site of encounter,” said a police spokesman.
He said bodies of both the militants were recovered from the site of the gunfight. “Their identities and affiliations are being ascertained,” he said.
“Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition were recovered from the site of the gunfight,” said the spokesman.
Police has registered a case in this matter and the incriminating materials retrieved from the site of encounter have been taken in the case records for further investigation.
“Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.”