Conflict
18-hour Long CASO Called Off In Tral; Hit By Stone, JKP Cop Critical
There were inputs about presence of militants in the area which is partially covered by forests
Srinagar: A joint operation – cordon and search operation (CASO), in search of suspected militants, by armed forces in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district was called off on Thursday “because no contact was established”.
A security official posted in Awantipora area of the district detailed the operational procedure to the FreePress Kashmir.
“The operation started around 3:25 PM on Wednesday in Seer area of Tral,” the official, not authorised to share details with media, said. “It ended around 09:15 on Thursday morning.”
The official said that Indian army’s 42 RR, 180 battalion of para-military CRPF and Tral based special operations group (SOG) of J&K police were involved in the operation.
“There were inputs about presence of militants in the area which is partially covered by forests,” he informed.
“But no contact was established (with the militants believed to be present in the area),” he added, “so the CASO was called off.”
J&K Police spokesperson, too, told the FreePress Kashmir that the operation was called off “because of no militant presence”.
However, on way back last late night, a J&K police party which was involved in the CASO came under ‘minor’ stone pelting attack in which one police constable was critically injured.
“The incident happened in Midoora area of Tral,” the official informed. “One cop Riyaz Ahmad was hit in his head injuring him badly,” he added.
The cop was rushed to SKIMS Soura where he is being treated. He is a resident of Waheedpora area of Ganderbal district.
