Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police today said a threat to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra has been neutralised with the killing of three terrorists, including 2 Pakistanis, who been tasked by their Pakistani handlers to target the pilgrims.
The two Pakistanis and a local terrorist formed a module of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit.
One of them was killed in an encounter in Sopore on June 6 while the remaining two were eliminated in an encounter in Bemina area of Srinagar late last night.
The 43-day annual Amarnath Yatra, which is taking place physically this year after a gap of two years owing to Covid situation, will start on June 30.
“Pakistan based handlers had sent two Pakistani terrorists of LeT terror outfit along with one local terrorist Adil Hussain Mir of Pahalgam Anantnag, who has been in Pakistan since 2018 (now all 3 killed), with the intention to attack Yatra,” Kashmir Zone police tweeted, quoting Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar.
Pakistani terrorist, identified as Abdullah Goujri of Faisalabad, and Adil Hussain were killed in a swift operation by the police in Bemina late last night.
The operation, in which 5 policemen were also injured, was carried out on the basis of specific intelligence, police said.
Also read: Police kills 2 terrorists, including Pakistani, in Srinagar
“The prompt and timely action by the police led to the elimination of both the terrorists and thereby averting the possible major threat,” the IGP said.
Kumar said the killing of the three terrorists was a big success for as they were planning to attack Amarnath Yatra.
The two were part of the same group that had escaped from encounter site in a forest area of Sopore on June 6.
In that encounter, one Pakistani terrorist, identified as Hanzulla of Lahore, had been killed.
The police said Adil had crossed over to Pakistan in 2018 via Wagah on proper visit visa and returned after undergoing training in arms.
Also read: Kashmir: 100 terrorists killed in over 5 months, quicker than last year
Sharing details of last night’s operation, police said a specific information was received regarding the movement of terrorists in Bemina.
“Srinagar Police established a special naka in Bemina. During naka checking, two suspects while approaching the said naka were challenged by the Naka party, to which these suspects (terrorists) started indiscriminate firing upon the said party.
“The fire was however effectively retaliated, leading to a brief encounter.
“In the initial exchange of fire, five police personnel received minor injuries who were immediately evacuated to hospital for the treatment of their injuries. In the ensuing brief encounter, two terrorists were killed,” a police spokesman said.
Two AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines with live rounds and Pakistani medicines & other incriminating material were recovered from the site of Srinagar encounter, police said.
The Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the Holy cave of Lord Shiva in the mountains of south Kashmir, is expected to attract 6 to 8 lakh devotees, especially since it is taking place physically this time.
A shadowy terror outfit, considered a front for LeT, has already threatened to target the Yatra.
