NAGAM(BADGAM): There has been a heavy exchange of fire between security forces and the militants holed up in the Chrar-e-Sharif shrine according to Indian authorities.
Residents and officials of the local administration said that the exchange of fire, which had been on for the past few days, peaked on March 26 evening when the militants intensified their attack in an attempt to clear an escape route.
In the wake of this development, the security forces and the local police have begun checking all vehicles entering the shrine-town. Occupants of these vehicles have to line up for identification.
As the situation took a turn for the worse, V.K. Jain, special secretary in the Home Ministry, Madhukar Gupta, in-charge of the Kashmir Affairs in the PMO, and the National Conference chief, Farooq Abdullah arrived in Srinagar.
Meanwhile, Zafar Kawa, a self- styled battalion commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, was reported to be seriously injured after being beaten by those owing allegiance to the Afghan mercenary, Mastgul, hiding in the shrine. It was learned that Kawa was under treatment at a private nursing home in the town.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 31, 1995
