SRINAGAR: Security forces on Friday launched a combing and search operation (CASO) in Lal Chowk in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while militants snatched five rifles in two incidents in volatile south Kashmir.
Police and CRPF men armed with automatic weapons launched the CASO in the city centre and adjoining areas at around 3 pm. Security personnel and armoured vehicles were deployed at all the entry points to prevent people from leaving or entering the area.
The police and CRPF conducted house-to-house searches. They also searched the shops. The search operation continued for about an hour. The security personnel lifted the cordon around the area at around 4 pm after finding no militants or weapons during the operation.
Meanwhile, police said militants barged into the guard post at the residence of political leader Mohammad Shafi Banday in south Kashmir’s Shopian last evening. They overpowered the policemen and snatched four SLRs, eight magazines and 340 rounds from them. Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility.
Bank attacked
Militants on Friday snatched a rifle from a security guard at J&K Bank’s main branch in Shopian district.