Incidents and Statements involving Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: 2016

Date

Nature of incident

Sopore / Baramulla District

Pulwama District

Around 2-3 militants of HM were trapped in a village in Pulwama District, after they were surrounded by SFs leading to an exchange of fire. Acting on specific information about the presence of 2-3 militants including HM 'commander' at Naina village, Army's 55 RR, 183 CRPF and SOG cordoned off the village. As the SFs intensified the searches and fired few shots, militants hiding in the area fired indiscriminately at the SFs and tried to break the cordon and run away. Reports said that two HM militants Latif Ahmad Dar and Shakir are trapped inside.

Pulwama District

SFs shot dead a HM militant, identified as Shariq Ahmad Bhat, in an encounter at Naina village in Pulwama District. Bhat was a resident of Brow Bandana village of Awantipora in Awantipora District. One AK 47 rifle and "some other war like stores" were recovered from the encounter site. Reports said that two other militants managed to escape from the security cordon.

Pulwama District

Three HM militants were killed in an overnight encounter in Tral area in Pulwama District of South Kashmir. The official said the SFs launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara area of Tral, following information about the presence of militants in the area. The slain militants have been identified as Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Isaq Parray and Asif Ahmed Mir. The official also added that Bhat was involved in providing shelter to militants involved in the Udhampur attack. Three AK rifles have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle.

Pulwama District

Police and Army arrested Police deserter turned HM militant from South Kashmir's Kulgam District. Police and Army received information about presence of Shakoor Ahmed Parray of Shopian in Avhotu village of Bihibagh, in South Kashmir's Kulgam. The operation was launched by 62-RR of Army and the Kulgam Police. Parray had deserted the Police early this year and took away 4 AK-47 rifles.

Baramulla District

Police and Army arrested a HM militant from Pattan area of North Kashmir's in Baramulla District and recovered a SLR and 21 rounds from him. The SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Pattan, and Army's 29 RR launched a joint operation on specific information and arrested a person Bashir Ahmed Dar alias Bitta son of Mohammad Maqbool Dar resident of Bungam Kunzer in Baramulla District.

Kulgam District

HM top 'commander', Dawood Sheikh alias Chotu, was killed and an Army trooper was injured in an encounter at Bichru village in Kulgam District. The SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Kulgam and Army's 1 and 9 RR received information about presence of two militants of HM in Bichru village of Kulgam. As the SFs cordoned off the village, militants opened fire on them injuring one soldier. SFs trapped Dawood in a house after he was injured while trying to flee with his associate, Shabir Ahmad. DIG South Kashmir, Nitish Kumar said Dawood of Rishipora Qaimoh was killed by SFs in the encounter while his associate managed to escape. Dawood was one of the most wanted militants in the District and was involved in several militancy related incidents. He was A+ category militant and was active for several years in South Kashmir. One AK-47 rifle was recovered from the encounter site.

Kulgam District

Stone-throwing clashes erupted amid shutdown in Kulgam town of South Kashmir in Kulgam District, against the killing of a local HM militant commander, Sheikh Dawood, in an encounter with SFs in the District on March 6. Besides clashes, a spontaneous shutdown was observed in Kulgam and in parts of neighbouring Anantnag District.

Ganderbal District

SOG Srinagar and Army cordoned off Wanihama village in Ganderbal District, after a tip off about the presence of two militants of HM in Wanihama and cordoned off the area. As the searches were underway, militants opened firing on Police leading to a brief encounter. However, militants managed to escape from the spot leaving behind one AK 47 rifle and few rounds.

Budgam District

SFs arrested a HM militant along with weapons in Central Kashmir's Budgam District. Acting on specific information about the presence of militants, 2-RR of Army and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation at Rathsuna village in the District and arrested Abdul Hamid Nath, a HM militant and recovered one AK 56 rifle, two AK 56 magazines, one Chinese grenade and over 84 rounds of ammunition from him.

Pulwama District

A gun battle broke out in Drubgam village of South Kashmir's Pulwama town in Pulwama District, between a group of militants of HM who were trapped and SFs. On the basis of specific information about presence of three HM militants - Nasir Pandit, Zahid Ahmad and Tariq Pandit - in an orchard in village Drubgam, SFs cordoned off the village. The militants on seeing the troops fled to the nearby Drubgam village and took refuge there. SFs have tightened the cordon and lit up the area so that the militants may not flee.

Anantnag District

Two Army personnel and a civilian were injured in a grenade attack on a SFs party near a Police Station on the National Highway in Bijbehara town in Anantnag District. Police said that the militants hurled a grenade on a Police and Army party, injuring two Army personnel and one civilian, identified as Farooq Ahmad of Dupatyar village of Bijbehara. Army men also fired in air after the attack but the militants fled away taking advantage of busy market place. HM has claimed the responsibility of grenade attack on SFs in Bijbehara town.

Pulwama District

A HM militant was killed in an encounter at Gudoora village in Pulwama District. The encounter started after Army's 55 RR, SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF cordoned off Gudoora village following specific information about the presence of 2-3 militants in the area. Militants opened fire on SFs during cordon and search operation leading to the encounter in which the local militant of the HM, identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat of Kareemabad Pulwama was killed. To help militants from fleeing the cordon, hundreds of people clashed with SFs near encounter spot and other areas in Gudoora during the operation. People tried to march towards the encounter spot in order to facilitate fleeing of trapped militants. However, the additional contingents of Police and CRPF intercepted them, triggering clashes. Protesters also clashed with SFs at Kakapora, Kareemabad and Murran Chowk in which 10 persons were injured.

Pulwama District

A spontaneous shutdown amid protests and clashes was observed in parts of South Kashmir's Pulwama District against the killing of a HM militant on April 5. The HM militant, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, was killed in a gunbattle at Gudoora in Pulwama District with SFs. Soon after the funeral at his native village of Kareemabad, clashes between SFs and locals erupted at various places including Kareemabad and Kakapora which continued for several hours.

Shopian District

Threat posters of HM appeared in neighbouring Sugan village of Shopian District. The posters warn people against the participation and voting in upcoming local bodies' elections that are likely in May. Police said they have registered a case and started investigation.

Shopian District

Two wanted HM militants, including a former Policeman, were killed in a gun battle with SFs in Shopian District. An encounter broke out between SFs and militants in Vehil village of Shopian, after the troops of 62 RR launched a search operation in the area, an Army official said. He said two militants, identified as Naseer Ahmad Pandit and Inamul Haq alias Waseem Malla, were killed in the encounter. Two weapons were recovered from the militants. Pandit had joined militant ranks after deserting Police force last year. He was posted on security duty at the residence of PDP MLA and then works Minister Altaf Bukhari at the time of quitting the force.

Police said a HM worker, who was involved in the recruitment of the youth, has been arrested from Baramulla District. Ghulam Ahmad Sofi alias Jany Baba of Juhama area of Baramulla was arrested along with two live grenades and a satellite phone. Sofi was involved in recruiting local youth for terrorist activities. During the course of investigation it was found that he was affiliated with banned terrorist organization HM and was working for the revival and expansion of the banned outfit in the Kashmir valley, particularly in Baramulla.

The flow of suspected hawala funds from Gulf countries is adding to the woes of security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir as the illegal money is reported to be mainly used for creating infrastructure for radicalization of youths in a bid to wean them away from centuries old Sufi tradition. As new religious institutions dot several parts of the Kashmir valley, they have been attracting youths more where, according to the security assessments, the young men are indoctrinated with the type of religion being followed by likes of banned ISIS and al-Qaeda terror groups. The new trend has left many religious heads, worrying as they believe that the new generation of youth is being weaned away from Sufi tradition that has been followed in the Valley for centuries. As questions crop up over the funding for new mosques, the Army, Police and Central security agencies believe that large amount of illegal funds are been pumped into the Valley from Gulf countries and they apparently go unchecked. "The funds come in small amounts to avoid detection. Besides we believe that certain business houses having their establishment in these countries; over invoice their products and pass on the surplus funds," a senior Police official said. This large inflow of hawala funds from Gulf countries and more Kashmiri youths getting sucked into militancy are dangerously stoking terrorism in the Valley in a fresh test for SFs in their anti-militancy operations. An axis from Tral, Batapora, Panjgaon and Yaripora in South Kashmir is witnessing a dominance of terror group HM, while in the other axis from Palhalan to Sopore this group and few militants of JeM are calling the shots.

Three HM militants were killed in a joint encounter by Police and Army during a search operation in Panzgam village of Pulwama District. As the forces were conducting a search operation, the hiding militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter, an Army official said. As a result, three HM militants were killed. They were identified as Ashfaq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dogripora, Ishfaq Ahmad Baba, a resident of Tahab and Haseeb Ahmad, a resident of Brao Bandyun. Three weapons were recovered from the encounter site, he added.

Militants fled away with four rifles from a Police Post in Kulgam District. All the four Police have been suspended and taken into custody for questioning and SFs have launched massive searches against the militants responsible for it. Police said that militants fled away with four rifles - two SLRs and two INSAS rifles, five magazines and 150 rounds - from a Police Post guarding the minority community in Adijan area in the District. Sources said that the atleast 7 militants surrounded the post and fled with the box in which these weapons and ammunition was stored. Sources said that the militants of HM are mostly involved in weapons snatching from the Police Posts guarding minorities in South Kashmir. The militants conduct recce several times before snatching the weapons. They said that the militants resort to weapon snatching as they face shortage of weapons.

Poonch District

One militant was killed and two others were captured alive by Army and Police, who intercepted the trio in forward village of Chaprian close to the LoC in Sabjian sector of Poonch District, when they were trying to exfiltrate to PoK for arms training. Barring INR 27,500 cash from the slain militants, no significant recoveries were made from their possession. All three militants hailed from Baramulla and Pulwama Districts of the Kashmir valley. IGP, Jammu Zone, Danesh Rana said, the militant, who was killed while trying to escape, was `A' category listed militant of HM identified as Bashir Ahmad Bhat (35) in Baramulla District. Bashir was already a trained militant and there was possibility that he would have returned after facilitating exfiltration of two fresh recruits, who had also become the militants, IGP Rana said. Official sources said that the body of the killed militant has been recovered while two others, identified as Mursaleem Rashid (24), resident of Tral in Pulwama, and Adil Ahmad Bhat (22), resident of Pinglan in Pulwama, were being questioned jointly by Army and Police to ascertain their motive behind exfiltration to PoK, the route taken by them to reach Sabjian from the Kashmir valley, the militants, who had persuaded them to go to PoK for arms training and the persons whom they had to contact after exfiltration to other side of the LoC.

Shopian District

One militant of HM was killed in a brief gun battle that raged between militants and SFs in Pehlipora village in Shopian District. A Police officer said that the encounter started last evening when SFs laid a cordon around the area and militants fired at them. "In the exchange of fire, one militant, identified as Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Nazneenpora was killed", he added. One AK 56 Rifle, ammunition and other war like stores were recovered from the terrorist. Sources said that the two members of the group managed to flee as the gun battle started.

Three Policemen including one ASI of Police were killed by the militants in Srinagar city. In the first strike, two terrorists on motorcycle shot dead two Policemen in Zadibal area of Srinagar. The militants shot at the two Policemen from close range at Mill Stop in Zadibal area which connects the city to Hazratbal Shrine and super specialty SKIMS Hospital at Soura. The two Policemen died on the spot, he said, adding the deceased have been identified as ASI Ghulam Mohammad and head constable Nazir Ahmad. HM has claimed responsibility for the Policemen killings.

Srinagar city

Militants shot at Constable Mohammad Sadiq, who was posted as personal security guard to chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Pasmanda Tabqajaat, Mohammad Abdullah Chatwal, at Tengpora on Parimpora-Hyderpora Bypass road. The personal security guard was in a car on Tengpora Bypass and Chatwal had gone to his office when militants targeted him. He was fired at from point blank range leaving him in a pool of blood. The militants also snatched the service rifle of the injured guard before fleeing from the spot. The guard was rushed to Police hospital at Batamaloo where he succumbed to injuries. HM has claimed responsibility for the Policemen killings. They have warned of more such attacks. DGP, K Rajendra Kumar, described the twin attacks as "desperate act" by militants to show their presence in Srinagar. "It is a desperate act, attacking unarmed policemen…it is basically a desperate act to show their presence," he said.

Srinagar city

Police launched massive search operation against the assailants and detained around two dozen former militants, OGWs of militant outfits, suspected persons to question them about the attack in Srinagar on May 23. However, none of them had knowledge about the attacks and Police may round up more people for questioning from various parts of city in next few days as part of investigations. In the meantime, Police appealed the landlords in Srinagar to allow only verified tenants in their properties. The Police will begin verification of all the tenants and labourers who put up in Srinagar city to prevent militants from making hideouts in Srinagar city. The recruitment of three youth from Srinagar city by militants is a major worry for security agencies as it has led to Srinagar city becoming target of militant attacks. Three youth Merajudin Bangroo, Danish and Mugais have reportedly joined militancy this month only. Bangroo has reportedly joined LeT, while, Danish and Mugais, the HM outfit.

Jammu region & Kashmir valley

At least 17 groups of militants have become active across the LoC opposite twin border Districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region and Kupwara District of Kashmir valley with a view to infiltrate into the State to create disturbances even as the MAC, set up by the UMHA has maintained that 18 militants have infiltrated this year so far. Official sources said that the credible inputs available with security and Intelligence agencies revealed that at least 17 groups of militants have been observed across the LoC in J&K, who were fully geared to infiltrate into the State but high alertness being displayed by the troops hasn't allowed them to succeed in their task. As per the inputs, there were two groups of militants waiting across LoC in Poonch, three opposite Mendhar, four across Rajouri and two opposite Nowshera. Two groups of militants were stationed across the IB in Samba. In Kashmir valley, there had been specific reports of two groups each waiting across Keran and Kupwara but the number could grow due to fast melting of snow in the summer. All these groups belonged to LeT, HM and JeM outfits.

Baramulla District

Two HM militants were killed in Tangmarg area in Baramulla District. Police said that on specific information about the presence of militants in Khonchipora village in Tangmarg, Baramulla Police, 2- RR and 176-battalion of CRPF cordoned off the area and launched the search operation. "The hiding militants were asked to surrender which they refused and instead fired upon the joint search party, ensuing an encounter", Police said. During the encounter two HM militants identified as Mehraj Ahmad Bhat resident of Andargam Pattan and Aadil Ahmad resident of Brath village in Sopore District were killed. The arrested duos were wanted in many subversive activities. Two AK series rifles and other arms and ammunition were recovered at the encounter site.

Pulwama District

Tariq Pandit, a close aide of Burhan Wani of HM, was arrested by Army in a well coordinated swift operation on Newa- Pinglana road in Pulwama District. An Army spokesman said: "Based on specific intelligence input regarding the move of a HM militant on the Newa - Pinglana road near Karimabad, Pulwama a joint mobile vehicle check post was established by Army and JKP today morning." The spokesman said that the movement of militant was kept under constant surveillance. He was apprehended by the team of Rashtriya Rifle battalion, along with one 9 mm pistol, two Chinese grenades and other war like stores. The militant was involved in many terror related incidents in Pulwama area.

Pulwama District

A day after Army arrested HM 'commander', Burhan Wani's aide; SFs busted three hideouts of the militant group from South Kashmir. Wani's aide, Tariq Pandit, was arrested on May 28 from Karimabad village after a tip off. Sources said that he has made disclosures about the movement of the group, their hideouts and modus operandi. Awantipora Police and 42 RR of Army raided a house in Dadsar area of Tral in Pulwama District on the directions of arrested militant Tariq Pandit. They recovered arms and ammunition from wardrobe of the house during searches. The recovered items include one pistol, one pistol magazine, 37 pistol rounds, 81 AK rounds and two grenades. However, no one was arrested by the SFs during the raid.

Pulwama District

In an operation by the Awantipora Police and 42 RR in village Noorpora area of Tral in Pulwama District, SFs busted a militant hideout in Government Higher Secondary School Noorpora, Tral. The recovered items include 10 blankets, two rucksacks, two stabilizers, one inverter, one pouch, two 24 volt batteries, one petromax and two combo dresses. The troops also raided Yarwan forests of Pulwama District and busted a militant hideout. They recovered nine mini blankets, one black sling, six caps, one T-Shirt, one Army dress and two shoes. Army assisted by para-commandos and Police conducted massive searches in forest area of Gulshanpora, Tral in Pulwama District against the HM militants. They were looking for more hideouts of the HM, however, the operation was later called off.

Sopore District

SFs busted a recruitment module of HM and arrested three of its members in Sopore District. SP, Sopore, Harmeet Singh, said the Police reliably learnt that three youths including Liyaqat Ahmad Lone, Mohamad Shafi Bhat, both residents of Harwan and Tariq Ahmad Najar, resident of Badrahar in Handwara are working for HM. He said the Police also learnt that they are recruiting the youth of the area into HM and subsequently they were arrested. "After interrogation we found out that they were basically recruiters. Further interrogation and investigation is going on," the SP said. Police sources said that the trio had recently inducted a youth namely Umar Khaliq of Tujjar Sopore into HM and were working to expand group's base across Baramulla District.

Pulwama District

SFs arrested Noor Mohammad Dar, a close aide of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani from Tral area in Pulwama District. On specific information, Police and Army arrested Mohammad of Gulshanpora in Tral area last night. This is the second Burhan aide who was arrested as Tariq Pandit was arrested from Pulwama, earlier.

Anantnag District

Three BSF personnel were killed and seven others critically injured when militants ambushed their convoy near Bijbehara on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Anantnag District. Militants targeted a bus of the BSF convoy comprising 23 vehicles in Bijbehara town. The convoy was coming from Jammu to Srinagar and was ferrying personnels who were returning to join their duties after their leave. Militants fired indiscriminately at the BSF bus from Ganai Mohalla in Bijbehara injuring 10 BSF personnel. Three of them later succumbed to their injuries. They have been identified as Head Constable Girish Kumar Shukla, Constable Mahinder Ram and Havaldar Dinesh. All the dead and injured belong to 64 battalion of BSF. The HM militant outfit claimed the responsibility of the attacks on BSF Convoy. HM operational spokesperson Burhanuddin told a local news agency that several BSF men were killed in the attack carried out by a special squad of the outfit. The outfit has warned more attacks on SFs.

Pulwama District

SFs busted a militant hideout in Zadoora area of Pulwama District, taking the number of hideouts busted after the arrest of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani's aide to 4. Sources said that on the tip off provided by arrested HM militant Tariq Pandit, 55 RR and SOG busted a hideout in Zadoora area of the district. The troops recovered 58 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 2 AK-47 magazines and one Chinese grenade.

SFs arrested seven OGWs of HM from Sopore Township in Baramulla District. Police said that the arrests were made in separate raids over the last few days by 22 RR and Police. The arrests were made after the killing of top HM 'commander' and arresting two OGWs, hailing from the town, last week. Police said Mohammad Syed Malik, Sajad Ahmad Chopan, Ikhlaq Ahmad Sheikh and Showkat Ahmad Lone, all residents of Bomai were arrested near Dangerpora crossing in the town. Three sets of police uniforms, four pairs of police shoes, nine sets of chains, 500 grams of RDX, four rocket-propelled grenades, a wireless set, an UBGL, three IED circuits, a pressure mine, nine wireless antennae and a bayonet were recovered from them. Police revealed that a private car was seized during the operation. Three more OGWs, Irshad Ahmad Lone of Tujjar Sharief, Abdul Majeed Bhat of Wahipora-Handwara and Zahoor Ahmad Bhat of Bomai were arrested from Sopore town. A Police uniform, two rifle grenades, six detonators and a wireless set were recovered from them.

Police have come across a major HM module engaged in recruitment of youth into the militancy and having roots in South Kashmir, mainly Awantipora area of Pulwama District, with the arrest of two militants while a "key man" of Sabjian, Poonch, who was reportedly luring youth for their exfiltration to PoK for arms training, has gone underground. The militants were using Mughal Road for reaching Poonch from Kashmir on the pretext of visiting a religious place in Rajouri carrying identity cards with them so that they were not doubted. So far, nearly a dozen youth of Awantipora and surroundings had been lured into the militancy, four of whom have been arrested by Poonch Police with the help of their South Kashmir counterparts while others were reported to have been detained in South Kashmir. Official sources said that the new modus operandi of the militants to recruit fresh youths into the militancy and send them to PoK for arms training via LoC in Poonch sector first surface when one militant was killed and two fresh recruits were arrested in Chaprian area of Sabjian on the LoC in Poonch sector some time back. It was during interrogation of these two youth that entire racket involved in luring youths of Kashmir into militancy and then trying to send them to PoK for arms training had surfaced. The two fresh recruits knew at least dozen youths of South Kashmir, some of whom hailed from Awantipora, had also fallen into the trap of militancy after being lured by some commanders of HM outfit.

Top 'commander' of HM, Burhan Wani, was killed along with his two associates in a shootout in Kokernag area in Anantnag District. Sources said the SOG of J&K Police, Srinagar and Army cordoned off village Kowpora Kokernag in Anantnag District after they received information about presence of few militants hiding in the village. The troops fired some warning shots outside the house of one Farooq Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani where the militants were hiding. The militants also fired at troops from inside the house leading to a gun battle in which three militants were killed. The killed militants have been identified as Burhan Wani of Tral, Masoom Shah of Srigufwara and Sartaj Sheikh of Taki Mohalla Kokernag. Wani, featured in videos circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp along with his group frequently. He was the most wanted militant in Kashmir as he was posting videos and pictures on social networking sites including Facebook frequently to lure youth to militancy.

At least 12 persons were killed and over 160 persons including 96 security men were injured as crowds in the aftermath of killing of HM commander, Burhan Wani, torched buildings and blocked roads and clashed with Police and SFs at several places in Jammu and Kashmir despite curfew like restrictions. The authorities announced that the curfew like restrictions will be imposed across Kashmir valley on July 10 to prevent further clashes and loss to life and property. The curfew like restrictions was imposed in parts of Srinagar including six Police Stations of Mahraj Gunj, Safa Kadal, Khanyar, Rainawari, Zadibal and Nowhatta. Curfew like restrictions have also been imposed in Pulwama and Anantnag districts of South Kashmir to prevent any trouble, security sources said.

The death toll in the clashes between protesters and SFs in Kashmir mounted to 23, as normal life remained paralyzed for the third day, in the Valley due to curfew-like restrictions and separatists-sponsored strike in the wake of the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. Mobile telephony has been suspended in the four Districts of south Kashmir since July 8 evening as violent protests erupted following killing of Wani in an encounter with SFs. With these, the death toll in the clashes between protesters and SFs has gone up to 23, including a Policeman. More than 250 persons have been injured in the violence and the situation continues to be tense across the Valley. Earlier, SATP reported at least 12 persons were killed and over 160 persons including 96 SF personnel were injured as crowds in the aftermath of killing of HM commander, Burhan Wani, set ablaze buildings and blocked roads and clashed with Police and SFs at several places in Jammu and Kashmir despite curfew like restrictions on July 9.

Kupwara District

Death toll rises to 33 as three more persons succumbed to their injuries in Jammu and Kashmir. A youth was killed and 14 others were injured as SFs fired at protesters in Kupwara District while two injured protesters succumbed to their injuries, taking death toll in the violence in the aftermath of killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani to 33.

New Delhi

PM Narendra Modi extended full support to PDP-BJP coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in tackling ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley in the wake of the killing of HM divisional 'commander' Burhan.

Kulgam District

One more youth succumbed to injures in South Kashmir taking the death toll in the violence after the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani, to 37 and in total 3140 persons including 1500 SF personnel were reported to be injured. Irfan Maqsood Dar son of Maqsood Dar resident of Tuli Nowpora of Bugund in Kulgam District who had sustained serious injuries three days ago succumbed to his injuries, taking the death toll of protesters to 37.

Jammu and Kashmir

Authorities had imposed curfew in all the 10 Districts of Kashmir fearing trouble as it was the first Friday after the killing of HM militant 'commander' Burhan Wani. Mobs defied curfew at many places, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal, Rafiabad, Bandipora, Kulgam and Pulwama. In Drugmulla in Kupwara District, a mob targeted SFs who opened fire in response, resulting in injuries to three civilians. A patrol party of SFs was attacked by a mob with stones at Delina in Baramulla District, injuring three SF personnel, the official said. In retaliation, SFs opened fire in which three civilians were injured. A youth was critically injured in firing by SFs on stone-pelting mobs at Manigam in Ganderbal District. A mob indulged in stone-pelting in Sopore and in the retaliatory action, four persons sustained pellet injuries. Two others were injured in clashes in nearby Pattan town. Two other persons were injured in a similar incident in Shopian District town.

Bandipora District

Three persons were injured when a mob tried to storm an Army camp in Bandipora District. Protesters attacked the Army camp at Ajas in the District, forcing the SFs to open fire, in which the three persons were injured in the incident, Police said. Curfew remained in force for the third consecutive day while normal life remained paralysed in the wake of deadly clashes that have rocked the Valley following the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8, ago leaving 40 dead and over 3,160 injured. After restricting mobile telephone services, authorities have now snapped the landline connections to curb the violent protests. "All 10 districts of Kashmir valley continue to remain under curfew today as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order," a Police official said.

Kashmir valley

Curfew and shutdown in Kashmir valley entered 10th day, after the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Muzzafar Wani on July 8. Forty one persons, including a Policeman have been killed in the protests that followed after the killing Burhan, and 3400 others have been injured.

Srinagar

One person, who was injured last week in Kupwara District, succumbed to injuries in a Srinagar hospital, taking the death toll in recent violence, following the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Muzzafar Wani on July 8, to 43, while curfew and shut down continued for 12th day. Ghulam Mohammad (55), resident of Khumriyal in the frontier District of Kupwara was allegedly beaten up by SFs on July 15 at Khumriyal, Kupwara after SFs firing on protesters in the area.

Awantipora / Pulwama District

A teenager was killed as he was hit by a teargas shell fired by SFs in Awantipora area in Pulwama District while another succumbed to his injuries at SMHS Hospital, taking the death toll in violence after the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani to 45. A youth, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat (18), son of Bashir Ahmad Bhat resident of Chursoo Awantipora was critically injured after he was hit by a teargas shell fired SFs during protests at Chursoo in Awantipora area in the District. The injured was rushed SMHS Hospital in Srinagar but he was declared as brought dead. Massive protests broke out in Chursoo after the news of youth's death spread. Earlier in the day, another youth injured 10 days ago succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura. He was identified as Ishtiaq Ahmad Mir of Kokernag. In South Kashmir, 15 persons were injured at Awantipora and Kakapora during clashes as Police used teargas shells, pellets and pepper gas to foil violent protests. Protests also broke out at Tahab, Prechu, Imam Sahib and other places during which police fired tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters.

Srinagar

Two persons, including a Policeman succumbed to injuries at SKIMS hospital in Srinagar, taking the death toll in the violence in the aftermath of killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani to 47, while over 5500 persons including SF personnel were injured. Sameer Ahamd Wani (25), son of Bashir Ahmad Wani of Khonmoh Srinagar, who was hit by a bullet in abdomen near Pampore on July 10, succumbed to his injuries in SKIMS hospital. A Police constable, Mudasir Ahmad belt no. 619/ KGM, who was injured critically in a blast at Yaripora area in Kulgam District on July 15, succumbed to injuries at SKIMS hospital.

Police foiled 'Anantnag march' of separatists' by arresting Chairmen of both the factions of APHC - Geelani-led APHC-G and Mirwaiz-led APHC-M. The separatists had called for the march against the killing of more than 16 'protestors' in Anantnag in violence in the aftermath of killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016. Police in the afternoon detained APHC-G Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani outside his residence at Hyderpora when he tried to take out a protest march to Anantnag. Police also detained APHC-M Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq when he tried to defy restrictions and march towards Anantnag from his residence in Nageen.

Government re-imposed curfew in parts of Srinagar after massive protests broke out in the city on July 26, following lifting of curfew that remained in force since the killing of HM 'commander', Burhan Wani on July 8. Police detained chairmen of both the factions of APHC after they tried to carry out a protest march to Kulgam District. Police detained Geelani-led APHC-G chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani outside his residence at Hyderpora when he tried to carry out protest march to Kulgam in South Kashmir and shifted to Humhama Police Station. Mirwaiz-led APHC-M, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also detained and taken into custody as he tried to carry out a protest march to Kulgam.

In an attack on separatists during over three-week long turmoil in Kashmir, CM Mehbooba Mufti said the people whose children were studying abroad were instigating other children to violence and charged that "many forces have joined hands to vitiate atmosphere in the Valley". Her statement on the separatists assumed significance as various other political parties including the BJP, the coalition partner of the PDP, had been more vocal in targeting the separatists for pushing the youth into violence while their own children were enjoying "lavish lives" abroad or working in the Government services. "People whose children are studying abroad were instigating other children to violence," she said as she made fervent appeal for restoration of peace in Kashmir with call to the people to rein-in their children and don't allow them to join protests. Nearly 50 people have been killed and over 5000 others injured in the violence during past three weeks, which broke out after the killing of HM terrorist Burhan Wani in Kokernag on July 8. Without naming any political party, separatists or militants, Mehbooba said: "many forces have come together to vitiate the atmosphere" in the Valley, which, otherwise, was peaceful. "This has become their business," the CM said but didn't name any organization.

Srinagar

Massive protests broke out in old city areas of Srinagar, after the killing of a youth, Riyaz Ahmad Shah, an ATM guard, in shot gun (pellet) firing by SFs in Karan Nagar area of the city. The killing triggered massive protests as large number of people came out in the streets in old city's Safa Kadal, Darish Kadal, Qamarwari, Bemina and Chhattabal areas. In the protest over 150 persons including 40 Policemen were injured across Kashmir, mostly in Kulgam District. The death toll and injuries in fresh protests since the killing of HM 'commander', Burhan Wani, has now gone up to 52 while over 6500 people including 3000 SF personnel have been injured while shutdown, curfew and protests paralysed life for 26th day on August 3.

Jammu and Kashmir

Around 100 persons including Police and Para-military Force personnel were injured as clashes broke out at several places across Jammu and Kashmir amid curfew in parts of Valley and shutdown continued for 27th day, since the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8. At least 17 persons were injured during clashes between protesters and SFs in Chotipora, Handwara in Kupwara District. Clashes broke out in the locality after men and women took to streets to protest against the killings in Kashmir. SFs tried to disperse the protesters who pelted stones on them leading to clashes. Over a dozen protesters were injured as Police and Paramilitary forces fired tear smoke shells and pellets at protesters in Sarendoo area of Kulgam District. Hundreds of people assembled in Yaripora, Frisal and other adjoining areas and staged massive protests. SFs resorted to teargas shelling and pellet firing against the protesters, injuring over a dozen. At D K Marg in Kulgam, SFs resorted to teargas shelling and pellet firing against the protesters, resulting in injuries to around 10 of them.

Srinagar

A man who was injured last week in SFs firing succumbed in Srinagar, while 30 persons including one dozen SF personnel were injured in clashes between SFs and protesters as shutdown and curfew entered second month following killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8. Amir Bashir Lone (17), was seriously hurt on August 5, when SFs used teargas and fired pellets to disperse protesters in Sedow area of Shopian District. He had sustained pellet injuries in his head and he succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS hospital in Soura area of Srinagar. The death toll since July 8 has now climbed to 56 in the violence during which over 7000 people were also injured.

Srinagar

The NIA claimed that the turmoil in Kashmir was being orchestrated by Pakistan-based LeT and that it was gathering further evidence of the terror group's role in fuelling the unrest, triggered by the encounter killing of a militant leader. Armed with a confessional video of a captured LeT militant, IG of NIA Sanjeev Singh said that since the summer this year, the banned outfit, with the "help of Pakistani forces deployed on the border", pushed heavily armed terrorists into India with the direction to mix with the local people, create disturbance, and attack Police and SFs. The video shows Bahadur Ali (21), a resident of Raiwind in Lahore, spilling beans about LeT's role in the disturbances. He is also shown speaking about the LeT's sophisticated communication network and assistance rendered to it by the Pakistani army. Ali, who was arrested from Yahama village in Handwara in Kupwara District on July 25, was in one of the groups allegedly instructed to take advantage of the current situation and throw grenades at the SFs by mixing with the protesters. During communications with Ali, Alpha-3 (a communication centre in PoK) told that the LeT cadres had been successful in fuelling large-scale agitation in Kashmir after Eid subsequent to the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8. "Further investigation is continuing on the disclosure of Bahadur Ali regarding his role in the present unrest in Kashmir," Singh said.

Ali said he was recruited into JUD, an organisation headed by Hafiz Saeed, aged 14, by a close aide of the 26/11 mastermind, and given the task of collecting funds for Jihad in his village. Moulana Abdur Rahim, who belonged to the LeT, also headed by Saeed, radicalised him by showing films of alleged atrocities on Muslims in different parts of the world including India and exhorting youth to undertake Jihad to establish Islamic rule there. He also served in the office of a LeT-affiliated NGO Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) at Lahore. Before being sent to India, Ali underwent three training courses - 'Daura-e-Tulba' (basic training for 15 days) at Manshera in the year 2013, 'Daura-e-Aam' (21 days of basic arms training) at Aksa camp near Muzaffarabad in 2014 followed by month-long 'Daura-e-Khas' at Tabook camp near Muzaffarabad in the summer of 2016, during which he was trained in use of sophisticated arms and field craft. He said there are 30 to 50 trainees at any given time in each course from different parts of Pakistan including Pushto speaking men who are sent to Afghanistan to fight the allied forces, the NIA said. "The In-charge of the control centre at Muzaffarabad whom Bahadur Ali had also met before infiltrating into India was a man named Waleed," Singh added.

New Delhi

With upsurge in militancy in the Kashmir valley, the Government admitted that as many as 30 youths have joined various terror groups up to July this year (2016). This was stated by Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir in Rajya Sabha while replying to a question asking whether a "new age militancy" was on the rise in Kashmir in which educated young men from the Valley were taking up arms for the first time since 1990. The question was asked by Samajwadi Party's Amar Singh who also wanted to know whether a large number of educated young men from the Valley have gone to Pakistan for arms training. In his reply, Minister Ahir said as per reports, the number of youths who joined militant ranks during 2015 and upto July 2016 stood at 83 and 30 respectively. However, no reports about "exfiltration" of educated youths for obtaining arms training across the border have been received for the past few years, he added. In reply to another question by Singh, Minister Ahir said after the gunning down of HM militant Burhan Wani, 1,018 protests erupted across the Valley in which 45 civilians and two SF personnel lost their lives till August 7. The number of SF personnel injured in the protests was 4,515 and that of civilians 3,356.

Life remained paralysed for the 38th consecutive day, due to curfew, restrictions and separatist-sponsored strike, following the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani in an encounter with SFs on July 8. Internet and mobile services across the Valley remained suspended as part of the security drill ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. While all mobile phone services used to be shut during the Independence Day celebrations over the past 10 years, BSNL mobiles were working on August 15.

Srinagar

Curfew, shutdown and protests continued in Kashmir valley for 45th day, since the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Muzzafar Wani. The curfew remained imposed in parts of Kashmir while it was relaxed in parts of Srinagar amid heavy deployment of SFs in these areas to prevent any violence. All the entry and exit points leading to Old City where Irfan Ahmad Malik, a protester was killed last evening during clashes were sealed off by SFs with concertina wires, barricades and mobile bunkers. The killing sparked off massive protests in Old City as thousands took to streets this morning.

Srinagar

The NIA, which is examining around 22 bank accounts in south Kashmir that received unaccounted money and saw withdrawals coinciding with the current unrest in the valley, will probe possible links of the account holders with HM or its cadres, Kashmiri separatists and terror financiers based in Pakistan. NIA sources indicated that in the event of the preliminary enquiry unearthing a direct link between the payments/disbursals and the ongoing protests, related offences may be added to the existing NIA case relating to JKART, a Pakistan-based frontal outfit of HM charged with funding terror activities in India. NIA had registered JKART case in 2011 and after a thorough probe found that the trust, floated in 1999 at a meeting chaired by HM chief Syed Salahuddin in Rawalpindi with the connivance of Pakistani Government and ISI, was systematically raising funds in Pakistan and sending it to India through the hawala and banking channels. As per the NIA chargesheet, around INR 800 million was routed through JKART to India over eight years, mainly through banking channels. Sources said the preliminary enquiry begun by NIA last week into 22 bank accounts of individuals and firms based in south Kashmir has found suspicious money transfers.

Srinagar

In a bid to break the cycle of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, central agencies have identified 400 local leaders fuelling protests and shared their names with the State Police for an immediate crackdown, including detention under the Public Safety Act. Intelligence officials said the list included overground workers of HM and other terrorist outfits, besides local-level functionaries of TeH, the APHC-G of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and JeI. "These are primarily local leaders who have been mobilising children as young as 10-12, besides teenagers, to come on the streets and indulge in stone-pelting. Many are overground workers from villages in south Kashmir who shelter terrorists and help with logistics," an officer of the central security establishment said. Action against these core protesters is deemed necessary as similar tactics had helped control street protests and stone pelting in 2010 after a case of fake encounter deaths for which seven Army personnel were convicted.

Srinagar

Recent recruit and local HM 'commander' Riyaz Malik asked deceased CRPF commandant Pramod Kumar's daughter and wife to visit Kashmir to "understand the pain" of the people as he warned of more attacks against the SFs. "When Mr. Kumar's daughter said she 'loved her father the most', it brought tears to my eyes. We do not want to see any child getting orphaned but India has forced us to take up guns by its forced occupation," Malik said. "I want to tell her mother to come to Kashmir and see how many children have become orphans and mothers have become widows at the hands of the Indian forces," Malik said in an 11-minute video released to a local news portal in Srinagar. With guns blazing in the backdrop, the HM 'commander' threatened of more attacks. "India thought [former Hizbul commander Burhan] Wani's martyrdom perhaps will allow it to live in peace. We will not let India live in peace until it leaves Kashmir. We will send the forces packed in trunks [coffins] like that of CRPF's Mr. Kumar's," he added. He also warned against using the label of terrorists. "We are mujahideen who are fighting for the right to self-determination. We are the torchbearers of humanity," the HM 'commander' said. However, he warned local residents of joining as SPOs. "Local police should sit back home like employees of other departments. Death will be the fate of those policemen who continue performing duties," Malik warned.

Baramulla District

SFs arrested two militants of HM from Pattan area in Baramulla District. Police and Army in a joint operation arrested the two militants and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition from them, which included two AK- 47 rifles, two grenade launchers and other war like stores including Army and Police uniforms. The arrested militants have been identified as Parvez Ahmed Mir (34) son of Ali Mohammad and Showkat Ahmed Ganaie (26) son of Mohammad Ramzan, both residents of Andargam Pattan.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir's most-wanted terrorist and the man who keeps the Valley on the boil, HM 'chief' Syed Salahuddin (69) vowed, to block any peaceful political resolution to the Kashmir conflict. He threatened to train more Kashmiri suicide bombers, who would turn the Valley into "a graveyard for Indian forces", and to take his struggle outside Kashmir. Dismissing talks as futile, Salahuddin, insisted that there was no solution to Kashmir except militancy. "The Kashmiri leadership, people and mujahideen should know there is no formal, peaceful way." There wasn't any option but to "launch a target-oriented armed struggle", he told TOI in an exclusive interview at his office in Baila Noor Shah area of Muzaffarabad. His remarks came a day ahead of the visit of a delegation of major political parties led by UHM Rajnath Singh to Jammu and Kashmir as part of the effort to de-escalate tensions. Salahuddin, who heads the UJC, a Pakistan-backed alliance of anti-Indian Kashmiri militant groups, said the movement in Kashmir had entered a critical phase after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani's killing. For nearly two months, since the killing of Burhan Wani, curfew has not been lifted in the region. The entire region has been turned into a concentration camp," he said. "These sacrifices will not go in vain. The more they resort to use of force, the more they strengthen the movement of separatists and freedom fighters."

Kupwara District

Three soldiers were injured when militants attacked an army convoy in Handwara area in Kupwara District. The army convoy was attacked by militants at Kralgund along Kupwara-Baramulla highway in Handwara area when it was on its way to Srinagar. Three soldiers, two identified as Havaldar Jagtap Singh and Sepoy Shafiq Malik, have been injured. The condition of one of the three soldiers is stated to be critical. Militant outfit HM meanwhile claimed responsibility for the attack. However, sources said that it is a group army had already inputs that a group of five militants present in the area were planning attack on convoy in the area. They said that these militants are believed to be belonging to unknown Afghan brigade that is linked to JeM and is headed by Abdullah Salfi.

Jammu and Kashmir

Terror outfit JeM released a video issuing threat against mainstream politicians and Kashmiri 'informers' working for the SFs in the valley. In a seven-minute video, a masked man, standing against a wall banner inscribed with Quranic verses in Arabic and an AK-47 hanging by his side, described HM 'commander' Burhan Wani - whose killing by the SFs two months ago triggered massive violence in the valley - as 'shaheed-e-millat' (martyr of the community). The masked man threatened that the militants would take the violent "movement" to its logical conclusion. "This is the last warning for pro-India politicians and youth who work for the Police and Army. Don't think we don't know your names. We have your addresses as well," the militant threatened while reading out the names and addresses of the targeted people. He asked the identified people to seek forgiveness from Allah and join the militants' cause. SSP Baramulla, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir told that the video was uploaded on a Facebook page and eventually shared through Whatsapp groups. He said the Jammu and Kashmir Police had specific intelligence about the presence of Pakistani terrorists, including the one who had issued threats in the video. Mir identified the masked man as a Pakistani JeM terrorist.

Kupwara District

Army's 26th Rajput Rifles have started a massive operation in Tangdhar Sector of Kupwara District against infiltrated militants and during the searches they recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, two grenades, one hair band with HM written on it and a skullcap. Army sources said that around 500 militants are waiting on the launch pads along the LoC in PoK ready to infiltrate ahead of winter. They said that these militants are making frequent attempts to infiltrate into Kashmir. Army has foiled several attempts of these militants this summer and some of them were killed on the LoC and other fled back to Pakistan. However, some of them managed to sneak in. Sources said that Army didn't want to take any chance and have intensified its patrols along the LoC. It may be mentioned here that army has recently moved one Brigade to LoC in Keran and Macchil sectors of Kupwara District to strengthen the counter-infiltration grid. Despite this, according to official figures, 72 militants have managed to infiltrate into Kashmir this year so far while sources said that the number of infiltrated militants could be much higher than the official figure.

Srinagar

Curfew and curfew like restrictions in parts of Srinagar and other major towns and shutdown paralysed life in Kashmir during which protests were reported at few places. The shops and commercial establishments, petrol pumps, school and colleges remained closed and traffic was off the roads and train services between Banihal and Baramulla also remained suspended for 69th day. However, there was some movement of private cars in Civil Lines area of Srinagar city. The BSNL broadband, internet and mobile phone services across Kashmir valley remained shut. Post-paid mobile phones of BSNL are working, but outgoing call facility on pre-paid phones continued to remain suspended. The broadband services have been snapped for the second time since July 9, a day after the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani.

Pulwama District

A protester was killed in Srinagar and another who was injured in Pulwama early this month succumbed to injuries in SMHS hospital. Dead body of a youth, Momin Altaf Gania son of Altaf Ahmad Gania of New Theed, was recovered from Theed area of Srinagar. Reports said that Gania was missing since evening after Police fired tear smoke and pellets to disperse protesters in the area. Residents after searches found the body of Gania from an orchard. Protests broke out in the area soon after the body was recovered. A protester from Pulwama, Basit Mukhtar, who suffered pellet injuries on September 5, during protests, succumbed to injuries in Srinagar, taking the death toll in unrest since the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani to 84.

Kulgam District

Three paramilitary CPRF personnel were injured in a grenade blast at Wanpoh in Kulgam District. Police said militants hurled a grenade at around 2 pm on a CRPF party of 90th battalion who were performing law and order duties. The grenade exploded injuring the CRPF personnel. A manhunt was launched to arrest the attackers. Police in a statement said: "This afternoon unknown militants hurled a grenade on CRPF party of 99-Bn deployed for ROP duty near Government Higher Secondary School Wanpoh, Mir Bazaar in district Kulgam. Three CRPF personnel sustained injuries in the incident. HM, while claiming responsibility for the attack, said that such attacks will continue in future.

Jammu and Kashmir

The Government believes at least 250 terrorists belonging to three Pakistan-based terror groups are active in the Kashmir valley and they could target SFs to 'avenge' the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the LoC. Quoting intelligence inputs, top Government sources said that most of the 250 terrorists belonging to LeT, JeM and HM had infiltrated before the surgical strikes and were hiding. They said the terrorists have been given clear instructions by their handlers across the border to target SFs to "avenge" the surgical strikes. The central Government has asked SFs operating in J&K to maintain maximum alertness and take all precautions to foil any attempt by the militants to target them. Sources said even though vigil along the LoC as well as the IB was intensified, there were gaps in many places due to the difficult topography. Army, BSF, CRPF and J&K Police have also stepped up search for the terrorists. It is believed that some 100 terrorists are waiting across the border to infiltrate. SFs have killed more than 40 terrorists in the last one month while they were trying to infiltrate or attack the bases of Army and other SFs. Since the attack on the Army's Uri camp which killed 19 soldiers, terrorists have made several attempts in Baramulla, Pampore and Handwara. According to sources, LeT suffered maximum damage in the cross-LoC surgical strikes carried out by the Army with radio intercepts indicating that around 20 of its militants were killed.

Jammu and Kashmir

Government has decided to restore the pre-paid mobile services in Kashmir. A Police spokesman said here that the pre-paid mobile services in Kashmir will be restored from tonight with the improvement in the situation. The pre-paid mobile services were suspended in July this year due to security reasons after widespread protests following the killing of HM 'commander', Burhan Wani on July 8. However, the mobile internet that was also suspended due to security reasons remained shut.

Srinagar

The Sunday market, opened for the first time since the killing of HM militant Burhan Wani even as shutdown paralysed life in Valley for 100th day. The flea market from Tourist Reception Centre to Regal Chowk witnessed heavy rush of people. The people were seen busy in shopping along one kilometer stretch of flea market. The market opened despite shutdown call by separatists for the first time. The Sunday market opened for shops for last week at many places in Srinagar and other areas started opening up gradually. Some shops at several other places in the City were also open and there was movement of private vehicles in Civil Lines area of Srinagar giving a semblance of normalcy for the first time in last 100 days. A Police spokesman said that Sunday market in Srinagar witnessed a huge rush of shoppers as people from different parts of the city and elsewhere thronged it to purchase different articles. The spokesman said that the situation across the Valley remained normal and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere. "During the day, normal life was observed across the Valley as normal flow of vehicular traffic including the public transport was seen on the city roads as also in the main towns and inter-district roads of the Valley," he said. The spokesman said that in its sustained action to curb the activities of miscreants, Police arrested 62 such individuals involved in disrupting the public order in different parts of the Valley during past 24 hours.

Jammu and Kashmir

The infiltration of militants into Kashmir valley has gone up this year despite Army being on high alert along the LoC and militants are making desperate attempts to sneak in even after surgical strikes conducted by Special Forces of Army in PoK last month. According to MAC figures, 83 militants, mostly belonging to LeT, have infiltrated into Kashmir this year till August while last year the number was 35 for the whole year. However, a senior security force officer said that it is a conservative estimate and the figure could be higher than official figure as since July 8, after the killing of HM 'commander', Burhan Wani, the security agencies are not getting accurate picture about recently infiltrated militants. The officer said that some of the recently infiltrated groups are yet to come under SFs radar. Some of these militants are still in North Kashmir's forest areas near the LoC while others have managed to reach the hinterland unnoticed.

Jammu and Kashmir

Security agencies have listed over 1200 OGWs across Kashmir who are helping militants in logistics besides carrying out reconnaissance for them. Sources said that security agencies have listed 1242 OGWs across Kashmir and are keeping a close watch on their activities. These OGWs, as per reports, are helping militants in logistics and are carrying out reconnaissance for militant attacks. However, unofficially the number of OGWs in Kashmir has been put at 1850. Out of these OGWs, 350 are in North, 350 in South and 200 in Central Kashmir. However, unofficially the figure of OGWS in North, South and Central Kashmir is at 550, 1100 and 200 respectively. A top security official said that as per the official records there are 235 militants active in Kashmir. However, he put the unofficial figures of militants across Kashmir at 360. The official said that in Kupwara, 80 militants are active while unofficially, he put the figure at 100. In Sopore, there are 18 militants of JeM, LeT and HM active while unofficially the figure is 35. In Bandipora, there are 9 JeM and LeT militants but unofficially the figure is 15 while in Baramulla, the number of active militants is 12 and unofficially the figure is 25. The official said that in South Kashmir, there are 81 militants of HM, JeM and LeT active while unofficially the number is 130. And in Central Kashmir, the official put the figures at 35 while unofficial figure of number of militants in Central Kashmir is 54. The official said in Srinagar, that was few months back militancy free, has 18 active militants with 5 of them locals and rest are foreigners. Sources said that out 235 militants operating in Kashmir, 153 are Pakistanis and rest are locals. Out of these Pakistani militants, as per MAC figures, 83 have infiltrated into Kashmir from PoK this year till August while rest are Kashmiris and around 50 of them have joined militancy this year only.

Pulwama District

Police said that SFs arrested four persons who were planning to snatch weapons from Police and SFs in Awantipora area in Pulwama District. Police said that they had a specific input that a group of youths were being motivated by HM 'commander', Zakir Rashid Bhat alias Mosa to snatch weapons from minority pickets or Police in the area and to join the militant ranks. Police said that they along with 42-RR of Army arrested Shakir Ahmad Khan, who during questioning disclosed the plan of weapon snatching. Police said that they later arrested three more persons - Mohammad Asif Khan, Adil Ahmad Najar and Saqib Nazir Bhat - and during questioning they confessed that they hatched a conspiracy to snatch weapons from minority pickets or Police to join militant ranks.

Kulgam District

Police said that acting on specific information regarding the presence of militants at Hamdanpora in the Rampora area of Kulgam District, SFs arrested a militant and a person who provided him logistic support. "During search operation, one HM militant Manzoor Ahmad Khan alias Mana Khan alias Waseem alias Jafar son of Ghulam Nabi Khan resident of Dhobi Mohalla Batamaloo, Srinagar was arrested. He is involved in number of subversive activities and has got recycled into militant ranks a couple of months ago", Police said. One pistol, grenade and other ammunition was recovered from his possession. One Mohammad Yaqoob Dar son of Abdul Gani Dar resident of Hamdan Pora, Rampora who provided logistic support to militant was also apprehended from the spot by police.

Shopian District

Army killed a HM militant, identified as Waseem Ahmad Khanday in a gun battle while four others escaped taking the cover of dense bushes in Shopian forest area in Shopian District. An Army trooper was also injured in the encounter. An AK-47 rifle, he had snatched from the security guard of former legislator in September 2016, and some ammunition was also recovered from his possession.

Srinagar

The three separatist leaders who have been calling for protests and shutdowns in Kashmir since the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016, have called for a meeting on November 8 during which they may decide respite from daily strikes. The three leaders - Chairman of APHC-G, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of APHC-M, Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq, and chief of JKLF, Mohammad Yasin Malik, - held a meeting at the residence of Geelani for the first time in four months and discussed the situation in Kashmir. These leaders have been issuing strike and protest programmes for last four months but they met for the 'first time'. The leaders rejected any economic package and stressed for political resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Shopian District

A militant of HM was killed and three others, including 'commander' of the outfit, managed to flee out of the security cordon in Shopian District. Sources said that Shopian Police and 62 RR of army cordoned off Wangam village of the District after they received specific information about presence of four militants in a house during the night. As the SFs laid siege around the house, four militants including HM 'commander' Waseem Shah came out of the house opening a volley of fire on SFs. Two soldiers were injured in the gun battle. The three militants including the 'commander' fled from the cordon taking cover of the darkness and heavy firing while one of them was shot dead outside the house by the SFs. The dead militant has been identified as Saddam Hussain Mir resident of village Chitterpora in Shopian District. Sources said that he had joined the militancy a month ago. One AK-47, 5 magazines, 119 rounds and a hand grenade were recovered from his possession.

Kashmir valley

The post-paid mobile services were restored in Kashmir valley, following improvement in security situation. The mobile internet services were snapped on July 8, 2016, following the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani in a gunfight at Bumdoora village in the Kokernag area of Anantnag District. The decision to restore the prepaid mobile internet services was taken recently and it was implemented tonight. On October 14, prepaid mobile phone services were restored across Kashmir after remaining suspended for 98 days. However, mobile Internet services continued to remain suspended.

Srinagar

Normal life remained affected due to the strike called by separatists across J&K. The movement of people and transport is less compared to the other days due to apprehensions of law and order problems after Friday congregational prayers, a Police official said. He said most of the shops, fuel stations and business establishments in Srinagar - the summer capital of J&K - were shut due to the strike, while public transport was comparatively less. The separatists, who are spearheading the agitation since killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) on July 8, have been issuing weekly protest programmes. They have extended the strike till December 1, announcing two full days of relaxation on the weekend like the past week.

Srinagar

After 19 weeks, Friday congregational prayers were offered at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar while shutdown continued across Kashmir amid clashes during which a police officer was injured and two auto rickshaws were torched. No Friday prayers were allowed since July 9 after the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani' on July 8.

Srinagar

A HM 'commander', Zakir Rashid Bhat Musa, who reportedly is the successor of slain HM 'commander' Burhan Wani, has threatened to attack J&K Police and their families if they don't stop harassing the families of militants in the state. In the one-and-a-half minute video, Bhat warns, "Next time, think a thousand times before (attacking our families). And if you still do it, you will find the bodies of policemen in every lane and bylane of Kashmir."

Arwani area / Anantnag District

Three militants were killed in a gun battle that ended in the Arwani area of Anantnag District. However, the identity of militants could not be established as the bodies were burnt beyond recognition. An unnamed Defence spokesman said that the SFs killed three militants and recovered three weapons. An unnamed Police spokesman while giving details said that Police received specific information about the presence of militants in the house of one Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie son of Ghulam Qadir Ganie at Hassanpora in the Arwani area of Anantnag on December 7. "As per the information, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie works as an OGW of terrorists of LeT outfit and not only harboured terrorists in his house, but also provides all sort of logistical support to them", the spokesman said. "Based on this input, an operation was launched by joint team of Anantnag, Awantipora police along with Army and CRPF. The said house was cordoned off and when the security forces party entered into the house for searching, terrorist fired on them. The fire was retaliated and the ensuing gun battle lasted for almost two days. The operation concluded today [December 9] when a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPFs QAT stormed the house and cleared it. The cover fire to the storming team was given by Army troops" the spokesman said. He said that during the search operation, two bodies of the militants and three AK-rifles along with other incriminating material has been recovered from the debris of the house. As reported earlier, one civilian was killed in the cross-fire on December 8.

An unnamed Police official said that the three LeT terrorists killed in the encounter at Anantnag were planning to create fresh unrest in the Valley on the lines of disturbances that followed after HM militant Burhan Wani was gunned down in a similar encounter on July 8. "They wanted the protests by locals' supporters to get out of hand and lead to a law & order face-off between the forces and local sympathizers. This, they believed, would have triggered a fresh spell of unrest in the Valley. However, with locals failing to come in aggressive support and confining themselves to pelting stones at the forces, it seems their plans went awry, and they finally fell to the bullets after a protracted gunfight," said the officer.

Tral / Pulwama District

The SFs raided a house at Batipora village in the Dadsara area of Tral in Pulwama District where HM 'commander' Zakir Rashid used to record videos to issue threats to Policemen and mainstream politicians and launched massive manhunt against the owner of the house. The SFs conducted an operation at the Batipora village. "During the operation, house belonging to Mudasir Ahmed Gunoo, son-in-law of late Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir was searched where forces found material and articles used by militants," the spokesman said. During preliminary investigation, said the police, it was also established that Zakir alias Mosa used to record videos in one of the rooms of the house raided by SFs.

Jammu and Kashmir

According to MAC figures, 116 militants, mostly belonging to the LeT, have infiltrated into Kashmir in 2016 till November while the number was 35 for the whole of 2015. Also, sources said militant training camps are active in PoK with 19 of them most active including those at Skardu, Kel, Karko, Dullu, Titwal, Chakoti, Kotli, Dehri, Barhal Mirpur and Chaprai. In these training camps, the militants are receiving rigorous training besides map reading, GPS use, weight, weapon and tactical training. They said that over 200 militants are still waiting at launch pads for infiltration before the heavy snowfall closes the mountain passes. According to official figures, 147 militants have been killed in 2016 so far while the figure for the whole of 2015 was 97. The killed include 40 of this year's infiltrated militants. As per the official figure, this year 71 SF personnel were killed along the LoC, IB and hinterland, in Pakistani troops firing and during gun battles with militants. The figures suggested that 76 locals joined militancy in 2016 and 16 of them were killed and surrendered leaving 60 still active. Majority of them joined after July 8 following the killing of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani.

Bewoora Mirhama village / Anantnag District

A local HM militant was killed in an encounter with the SFs in an apple orchard at Bewoora Mirhama village of Anantnag District. SFs received information that a group of militants will pass through an apple orchard and they laid ambush. A militant was killed on spot when he along with two associates walked into ambush while two others managed to escape. The deceased militant was identified Basit Ahmed Dar alias Sameer son of Ghulam Rasool Dar, a resident of Mirhama Bijbehara.

Chakan-Da-Bagh / Poonch District and Uri / Baramulla District

The NIA simultaneously conducted raids at TFCs at Chakan-Da-Bagh in Poonch District and Uri in Baramulla District, from where cross-LoC trade takes place in four days of every week (Tuesday to Friday) after developing specific inputs that some of the traders were misusing barter facility to pump money to fuel militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources told that the NIA teams conducted raids at Chakan-Da-Bagh and Uri simultaneously after registering a FIR under Regular Case 17 of 2016 in New Delhi following very credible and specific inputs that some of the traders were getting extra goods from PoK and part of the money generated from them was being pumped into the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. "This was being done in-league with the terror networks of LeT, JeM and HM, who have their cadre in both parts of the divided States i.e. Jammu and Kashmir and PoK," sources said. They added that the NIA has seized entire record of 303 firms, dealing in cross-LoC trade on Poonch-Rawlakote route, which would be used to identify the traders, who had misused cross-LoC trade facility and generated funds for the anti-national activities.

Srinagar

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti ordered review of the cases filed against the youths who were not involved in "serious crimes" during the over five-month-long unrest in the Valley. An official spokesman said Mehbooba gave directions in this regard at a meeting called to review the pace of development works in south Kashmir. "Though not many youths are in custody now, a lenient view may be taken of youths who were either not involved in any serious offence, or were too young," the spokesman said quoting Mehbooba. The Valley had witnessed violent protest after killing of HM terrorist Burhan Wani in an encounter with SFs on July 8, 2016.

Bandzoo village / Pulwama District

A group of militants fled after SFs cordoned off Bandzoo village in Pulwama District. SFs received specific information about presence of a group of militants in the orchard area of the village last evening. Sources said that local militants of LeT and HM had a meeting in the orchards to chalk out the strategy and SFs after receiving information cordoned it off but the militants managed to flee. SFs later conducted searches of these orchards but militants had fled. They, however, recovered two pouches, one magazine, 60 rounds of ammunition and some food items.

Jammu and Kashmir

Normal life was hit as a shutdown on the call of separatists was observed in Kashmir valley in J&K. Majority of shops, business establishments and fuel stations were closed in the valley. Authorities had deployed contingents of SFs in downtown areas and also in sensitive areas of civil line to maintain law and order. Although no major incident of violence was reported from any part of the Valley but stone-pelting clashes between youth and SFs erupted at HMT on Srinagar city outskirts and in Muslim Peer locality of Sopore in Baramulla District, a police official said.