Srinagar encounter: Militant attack foiled; 3 ultras, 1 CRPF jawan killed

Special Director General (DG) of CRPF Zulfiqar Hasan said that following specific information about a possible attack in the city, a checkpoint was established at Lawapora, about 12 km from here on the Srinagar-Baramulla road.

''Three motorcycle-borne persons were asked by security forces to stop at the checkpoint,'' Hasan told reporters during a press conference, here on Wednesday.

He said the militant, who was sitting at the back of the motorcycle, got down and fired at the security forces, killing one jawan.

''One CRPF jawan, who received a bullet on his head, died on the spot,'' he said, adding that the security personnel was identified as Ramesh Ranjan.

Hasan said the security forces retaliated, ensuing in a brief exchange of fire.

''Two militants were killed on the spot, while one was arrested in a critical condition,'' he said, adding that a CRPF jawan was also injured.

Later, the third militant also succumbed at the hospital.

The CRPF Special DG lauded the CRPF personnel at the checkpoint for showing great courage to avert a major militant attack in Srinagar. ''The security personnel will be appropriately awarded,'' he added.

The slain militants have been identified as Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Zia-ul-Rehman from Budgam, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant Khafil from Bijbehara and Faraz Lone of JKIS.

Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag singh said Rehman was involved in the looting of weapons from the residence of former MLC Muzafar Parray and many cases were registered against him. ''Khafil's brother-in-law was also a militant, who was killed in one of the encounters,'' he added.

The DGP said two pistols and few grenades were recovered from the slain militants.

Meanwhile, traffic on Srinagar to Baramulla and world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg has been suspended, while drivers of the vehicles were asked to take alternative routes.