A major row has erupted after a top security force officer made a startling claim that they have rescued 15 people including women, children  who had been taken hostage by the militants in Bongam-Hanjan at Rajpora area in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

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 “In the morning some 15 people were taken hostage including girls, small children and old people. We have rescued all of them using our tactics,” said BN Ramesh. IGP (operations) CRPF.

Police and army, which were part of the operation in which two top militants of Jaish-e-Mohommad were killed in the 20 hour long gun battle, were quick to deny that the ultras had taken any people hostage in the area. An army major was also injured in the incident

As the operation progressed top army commander of the area Brigadier Shivender Singh of 12 sector Rashtriya Riffles said he was not aware of any hostage crisis. “There was no hostage as such and I am not aware”, he said.

The operation started on Saturday night when security forces received a tip off about the presence of militants in the area.  “ The terrorists, who had taken refuge in a built up area were asked to surrender but they opened fire resulting in a fire fight”, said Lieutenant Colonel JS Brar, defence spokesman at Srinagar

Two ultras of Jaish-e-Mohommad were killed in the ensuing encounter that lasted for 20 hours. “They were identified as Ahsan Bhai of Pakistan and Javed Mangroo, a local terrorist. Ahsan Bhai was a top terrorist active in the area for over ten years. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered”, Lt Col Brar said.