Video | 14 hours long search operation: Hide out ‘used’ by Riyaz Naikoo busted and blasted in South Kashmir

Pulwama: A 14 hours long search operation launched by Government Forces in vast fields of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district ended on a peaceful note even Forces managed to bust a hideout which they believed was used by Hizbul Mujhadeen Operational Commander Riyaz Naikoo.

As per the details available with news agency CNS, combined forces comprising 55 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian Army, SOG Pulwama and Awantipora, 182 and 183 Battalions cordoned off a vast Badarwan field area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district at around 10 on Tuesday night. The vast fields that were brought under siege included Chakoora, Babgam, Nawnagri, Wasoora and other hamlets.

A police official said that cordon and search operation was launched after they received inputs about the presence of militants in these fields.

During the operation, choppers were pressed into service to track down the militants while sniffer dogs were also used. Reports said that reinforcement was called in during morning hours of Wednesday and cordon was extended after a hideout was busted in these fields.

Sources said that blankets and eatables were found in the hideout that was blasted later on by Forces. A police official on condition of anonymity said prima facie it seems that Hizb top commander Riyaz Naikoo was using this hideout.

“The cordon was extended to locate more such hideouts, however, we didn’t find anyone. The contact with militants was also not established as a result the operation was called off at around 1 pm on Wednesday,” he said.

Authorities had suspended internet service in party of Pulwama to block the information about the operation.

The operation ended peacefully while internet was restored during later part of the day.