The three incidents occurred at Boniyari village in Bandipora, Tulmulla forests of Rafiaabad Baramulla and Kupwara. While the operation at Boniyari concluded in the evening, the one at Tulmulla was suspended for the night.
Defence officials said the first operation was carried at Boniyari on Tuesday night following intelligence input that senior militants were holding a meeting in a house. They included two Hizbul Mujahideen “commanders” Pasha and Mussa, both belonging to Pakistan.
Armymen belonging to the 13 Rashtriya Rifles led by Major J S Suri launched the operation. Putting his life in the line of fire, Major Suri entered the house through the roof. On seeing the army officer and other securitymen, the militants opened indiscriminate firing. The security forces returned the fire. The army officer and another trooper were killed. During the heavy exchange of fire, which continued throughout the day, security forces managed to kill Pasha and Mussa. The house in which they had taken shelter was also blasted.
“During the heavy exchange of fire four armymen, including two officers, were also injured,” said Abdul Ahad, a local policeman.According to police, Pasha was active in North Kashmir for the last five years. Two armymen and two militants were killed in Tulmulla encounter. .
