Kokernag, 02 November 2024: Two local militants were killed during an operation in the Larnoo area of Kokernag in South Kashmir, according to officials.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir said that forces had acted on specific intelligence about militants hiding in the rugged Halkan Gali area of Kokernag’s Larnoo with Police,military, and CRPF personnel launching a joint search operation, cordoning off the area.
The militants were identified as Zahid Ahmed Reshi from Hassanpora Bijbehara and Arbaz Ahmed Mir from Qaimoh, Kulgam.
In a joint press briefing at the 2 Sector Rashtriya Rifles headquarters in Wuzur, Qazigund, Brigadier Anirudh Chouhan said that Arbaz Mir, one of the militants killed, was responsible for the October 8 murder of rifleman Hilal Ahmed. After the incident, Mir and an accomplice had fled to Kulgam.
“Both were neutralized in the encounter,” he said.
Recovered from the site were a U.S.-made M-4 rifle, an AK rifle, and additional arms and ammunition, according to Brigadier Chouhan.
He also noted that Arbaz had previously crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and returned last year.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Kashmir, Javaid Ahmed Matoo said: “Both militants were involved in multiple attacks, including targeting non-local laborers.”
The DIG confirmed that Zahid Reshi had joined militant ranks following his involvement in an April killing of a non-local, while Arbaz had been missing since 2018.
When questioned about the presence of a third militant, the DIG stated that intelligence indicated only two militants were involved, both of whom were killed.