Encounter resumes in Sopore, restriction imposed, mobile internet suspended

Srinagar, Feb 22; An encounter resumed on Friday between militants and security force during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in apple township of Sopore, where authorities suspended mobile internet and imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC to avoid any protest, official sources said.

They said that troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG ) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation at Warpora in Sopre late Thursday night following a tip off about the presence of militants. The entire area was cordoned off and house-to-house searches launched, he said.

However, when the security forces were moving towards a particular area in the Warpora, the militants hiding there opened fire on search party. They said the fire was returned, ensuing in an encounter. Additional security forces were rushed to the area to further tighten the cordon to foil any attempt by holed up militants to escape, they said, adding that intermittent firing was going on during the night.

With the first light this morning, security forces launched an all out offensive against the holed up militants, they said, adding that there was heavy firing from militants.

The operation was going on when the reports last came in, they said, adding that two to three militants are holed up in the area.

A police spokesman said exchange of fire between militants and security forces was going on when the reports last came in.

In view of the apprehension of law and order problem, restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed on the gathering of more than 4 persons in entire Sub-division Sopore with effect from evening 21-02-2019 till further orders.