Normal life affected in valley due to shutdown; Operation in Ganderbal continues; Gunfight left a militant and soldier killed in Tanghdar, North Kashmir; Sepratists asked by Centre to be more accommodative; SPO killed and soldier left injured by gunmen
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  • Reports noted that searches in Chattergul forests of north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district entered into fifth day on September 4, while militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen identified one of the militants killed in the encounter as its commander. The search operation started August 31 morning after personnel of Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and columns of 24 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) cordoned off a vast area of Chattergul forests in Kangan. Initially the joint party of forces killed an unidentified militant inside a hideout in the forest. Recovery of shoes and logistics indicated presence of some more militants which extended the operation. 1

    In another development, according to reports, an unidentified militant and a soldier were killed in an encounter on September 4 on the Line of Control (LoC) in Tanghdar Sector of Kupwara district of north Kashmir. This is the first infiltration bid that was foiled in Tanghdar Sector this year and Army has started combing operation in the area. 2

    Meanwhile according to reports, apparently nudging the separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir towards electoral politics, the Centre on September 6 asked them to show spirit of accommodation and meet people's aspirations democratically. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said while delivering the inaugural speech at the three-day annual meet of police directors general and inspectors general from states and central police forces at Srinagar that there are still sections of society in the state, albeit small ones with limited influence, which have grievances. Such groups should realize that spirit of accommodation can create the backdrop for democratic aspirations of the people to be achieved. 3

    Reports noted that unidentified gunmen shot dead a Special Police Officer and injured a soldier of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) in north Kashmir’s Sopore area on September 8. A senior police officer said the duo was on way to Saidapora when the gunmen intercepted them. 4

    In other developments, according to reports, life in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir valley was affected on September 4 due to a shutdown called by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, against what he called “religious, social, cultural and environmental aggression” by New Delhi. The strike call was supported by United Jihad Council (UJC) Chairman Syed Salahuddin, High Court Bar Association (HCBA) and others. Shops and business establishments remained closed in major districts, including Srinagar, while public transport remained off the roads. 5

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