Two militants, Colonel killed in Kashmir encounter

Srinagar, Dec 24 (UNI) Two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, one of them a top commander, and a senior Army officer were killed in about 36-hour-long gun-battle so far in Pattan area of Baramulla district in north Kashmir, an Army spokesman said today.

The gunfight between militants and troops of 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) resumed this morning after it was suspended last night at Chak Behrampora, Tilgam village in Pattan area, about 27 km from here.

The spokesman said two LeT militants, one of them a district commander, were killed in the about 36-hour-long gun-battle so far.

The bodies of the two militants were recovered this morning from the debris of a damaged house in which they had taken refuge, the spokesman said, adding their identity was being ascertained.

Two security personnel and a boy, Aqib Nazir, a resident of Kreeri, sustained wounds in the leg. They were hospitalised.

He said the operation was on when reports last came in.

The encounter erupted following specific information yesterday morning that a group of militants were hiding in some houses in the village. The troops, led by 29 RR Commanding Officer Colonel G S Sarna, immediately rushed to the area and sealed all exit points.

However, when they were about to storm a particular house, militants, hiding inside, opened fire on them.

Troops also retaliated and in the ensuing gun-battle, Col Sarna received multiple bullet wounds. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to wounds, the spokesman added.

He said Col Sarna personnel broke open the hideout in a house and challenged the militants. He gunned down one militant on the spot.

The spokesman said Col Sarna was a brave and valiant officer known for leading his men from the front. Despite being wounded, he exhorted his men to continue the operation.

Col Sarna exhibited a sense of indomitable courage during operations, he added.

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