J&K: Police launch manhunt for terrorists involved in SPOs' killings
What's the story
A day after two Special Police Officers (SPOs) were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, the local police have launched a massive manhunt. The search is focused on three wanted terrorists, including the elusive Hizbul Mujahideen commander Jahangir Saroori. To aid in their capture, authorities have announced a reward of ₹30 lakh for credible information leading to their arrest.
Elusive terrorist
Know about the wanted terrorists
Saroori, an A++ category Hizbul Mujahideen commander, has been active since the 1990s and is considered Jammu and Kashmir's longest-surviving terrorist.
He has managed to evade capture by avoiding mobile phones and electronic devices, relying instead on a network of overground workers (OGWs) and local sympathizers in Kishtwar and Doda.
The police have released wanted posters for the three terrorists: Mohammad Amin alias Jahangir Saroori, Riaz Ahmed alias Hazari, and Mudassir Hussain.
SPOs discovered
SPOs' bodies recovered from remote Dachhan area
The announcement comes after security forces found the bullet-riddled bodies of SPOs Bobby Chand and Rashpal Kumar from the remote Dachhan area.
The two officers had been missing while on their way to an Army post.
Their service rifles were also missing when their bodies were recovered, raising suspicions of a possible militant angle.
Kulgam attack
Security forces intensify operations in Kulgam
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified operations in South Kashmir's Kulgam district after a terrorist attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post injured three personnel.
The attack triggered a massive cordon-and-search operation to locate the attackers.
The operation entered its third day with security forces setting up barricades and deploying armored vehicles across the district.
Enhanced security
Security heightened across Kashmir Valley
Security has also been beefed up in other parts of the Kashmir Valley.
Police and paramilitary forces conducted random vehicle checks in Srinagar and other districts as part of heightened security measures.
Senior police officers and officials from other security agencies visited the attack site and reviewed the security arrangements.