Srinagar: Search operation, launched by the security forces in Tral in the south Kashmir district of Pulwama last evening, ended today as militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness. The operation by security forces at Noorpora, Tral, in Pulwama ended at 0830 hrs, police said. The search operation was launched last evening following a tip off about the presence of militants, including Zakir Musa self styled commander of Al-Qaeda. However, when the security forces were sealing the area, people hit the streets and pelted tones, official sources said.
Clashes between security forces and demonstrators outside the cordoned off area continued for several hours. However, additional security forces were rushed to the area to seal all exit points, they said. This morning, the search operation was again resumed by the security forces, they said, adding that no one was arrested. They said the militants had managed to give slip under the cover of darkness. Three militants of the group were recently killed in an encounter in Pulwama on August 9. However, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) had claimed that the three slain militants were on way to join the outfit when they were killed in an encounter. (UNI)