(Updated)
Srinagar: In a major success, security forces today killed 5 terrorists in three separate encounters in South Kashmir.
Four of the slain terrorists belonged to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit and one to Islamic State J&K.
The first encounter took place in Chowgam area of Shopian district in the early hours after security forces received an input about presence of terrorists and laid a cordon to nab them, officials said.
“During the search operation, as the presence of terrorists got ascertained, they were given ample opportunities to surrender,” the Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a statement.
“However, they (terrorists) denied the surrender opportunities and instead fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed,” it said.
The police identified the two slain terrorists as Sajad Ahmad Chak of Shopian and Raja Basit Yaqoob of Pulwama.
The police said both the terrorists were linked to the proscribed terror outfit LeT and were part of groups involved in several terror crime cases.
The killed terrorist Sajad was also instrumental in motivating & recruiting the youth to join terror folds, the statement said.
It said incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including two AK series rifles, four AK Magazines and 32 rounds were recovered from their possession.
Hours later, another encounter took place in Tral area of Awantipora after the hiding terrorists were surrounded by security forces.
“As the joint team cordoned the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists opened fire which was retaliated. In the ensuing encounter two terrorists were killed,” the Police said.
“02 unidentified #terrorists killed. Search going on,” said a tweet by the police some time after the encounter started.
The slain terrorists were later identified as Nadeem Nazir Bhat and Rahi Rasool Bhat @ Adil, both belonging to LeT.
At night, a third encounter took place in Srigufwara area of Anantnag.
In this, one terrorist of Islamic State J&K, identified as Faheem Bhat of Kadipora Anantnag, was killed, police said.
“He had recently joined #terror outfit and was involved in killing of ASI Mohd Ashraf, who was posted at PS Bijbehara,” IGP Kashmir said.
With the 3 encounters today, the number of gunfights in South Kashmir since yesterday went up to 4, resulting in the killing of 6 terrorists altogether.
Yesterday’s encounter took place in Mominhall Aarwani area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district and was brief.
Reflecting a high rate of success in counter-terrorism campaign in Kashmir, security forces killed 17 terrorists in the Valley this month in various encounters.
