Taking cue from Army Chief, Govt issues fresh advisory on encounters

• Admin asks people not to move towards or assemble near gunfight sites
• Section 144 will be strictly enforced at encounter sites: IGP

Authorities Thursday issued fresh advisory on encounters in Kashmir and asked people to stay away from encounter sites to avoid collateral damages during anti-militancy operations.
An official spokesman said district administrations of Srinagar, Budgam and Shopian have advised people not to move towards or assemble near the places where encounters take place between forces and militants to avoid loss and injuries to precious human lives.
“Further, prohibitory restrictions have been imposed within the radius of three kilometers from the site of any counterinsurgency operation in the districts,” he said.
However, the restrictions shall not apply to the movement of ambulances, medical, paramedical staff and government employees, the spokesman said.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone told Kashmir Post that the advisory has been issued in the public interest to save human lives.
“We appeal public not to march towards encounter sites to prevent life and property damages,” he said.
IGP Kashmir Range, SJM Gilani told Kashmir Post that while Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan has already appealed people to stay away from the encounter sites, section 144 of CrPC would be strictly enforced around the encounter site to prevent civilian casualties.
“We are also appealing public to stay away from encounter sites and not obstruct the anti-militancy operations to avoid collateral damages,” he said.
Terming civilian marches and stone pelting by people near encounter sites as “biggest concern and worrying situation” for the forces, IGP said the Section 144 would be strictly imposed around the encounter sites.
“We will also take other measures including engaging with the public to prevail upon them not to march towards the encounter sites,” he said.
Sources said advisory has been issued in every district of the Valley cautioning appealing people to stay indoors and not venture out near the encounter sites.
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had yesterday said people creating hurdles during anti-militancy operations and displaying flags of Pakistan and ISIS in Jammu and Kashmir will be dealt as anti-nationals and will face harsh actions.
He had said those supporting militant activities are being given an opportunity but if they continue with their acts then forces will come down hard on them.
“We are giving them an opportunity, should they want to continue to then, we will continue with relentless operations may be with harsher measures and that is the way to continue,” he had told reporters after laying wreath to the slain army men killed in Handwara and Bandipora operations.
A youth was killed and over 30 injured when security personnel fired on protesters in Frisal, Kulgam after four militants, two army men and a civilian were killed in an encounter in the area on Sunday.