NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 19(NVI): Five terrorists affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, including one of the longest-serving commanders, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, were killed in a fierce gunbattle in the Kaddir area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district today.
The operation, described as a major success by security officials, was the culmination of a well-coordinated effort by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army and the CRPF.
The joint forces had received credible intelligence late on the night of December 18, which indicated the presence of militants in the Kaddir area. This prompted a swift response, with forces setting up a cordon around the area. What followed was a dramatic gunfight that lasted several hours, resulting in the elimination of the five terrorists, including the notorious Farooq Ahmed Bhat, who had been active in the region since 2015.
During a press conference held at the Wuzur headquarters of the 34 Rashtriya Rifles, the Sector Commander of the Army hailed the operation as a decisive blow to Hizbul Mujahideen in the twin districts of Shopian and Kulgam. ” The outfit stands wiped out from the districts,” he said.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police for South Kashmir, Javaid Iqbal, stated that Farooq Bhat had been responsible for orchestrating several attacks across South Kashmir and had 37 FIRs registered against him. His death, along with the other four terrorists, is a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The slain terrorists have been identified as: Farooq Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Ghani Bhat, from Khanpora Yaripora, Kulgam (active since 2015), Adil Hussain, son of Ghulam Muhammad Hajam, from Kandipora, Kulgam (active since 2020), Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, son of Ghulam Hassan Itoo, from Muhammad Pora, Kulgam, Yasir Javid Bhat, son of Javid Ahmad Bhat, from Khanpora Yaripora, Kulgam and Muhammad Irfan Lone, son of Muhammad Yaqoob Lone, from Hawoor, Kulgam. All slain were residents of Kulgam.
A significant cache of weapons and materials was recovered from the site of the gunfight, including five AK-47 rifles, four grenades, twelve magazines, cash and essential supplies, further highlighting the militants’ preparedness for sustained operations.( News Vibes of India)
