*October 16:* ```On a specific input regarding presence of deserted SPO who decamped with 02 AK 47 rifles two days ago along with his associate in Chadoora area of Budgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 53RR and 181Bn CRPF in the said area.
As the joint team reached near the target location, the hiding deserted SPO alongwith his associate fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated by the joint team leading to a brief gunfight. During the ensuing gunfight, the SPO managed to escape from the spot however, his associate was captured alive. The captured associate has been identified as Jahangir Ahmad Bhat, a OGW and a notorious stone pelter.
One of the AK 47 rifles decamped by the deserted SPO was recovered from his possession.
IGP Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar has appreciated the police and security forces for showing maximum restraint by arresting the terrorist associate during live encounter. He has further appealed the family of SPO Altaf to help police in bringing him back.
In this connection a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated.```