New Delhi: Four terrorists, including an IED specialist, were killed in two separate encounters between security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir on Saturday within 12 hours.
Police and security forces gunned down two terrorists in an anti-militancy operation in Tral area of Awantipora, while two others were killed in an encounter between police and security forces in Shopian, taking the death toll to four in the last 12 hours.
“Based on specific information received by the police regarding the presence of terrorists in Hardumir village of Tral area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Awantipora Police and Army,” the police said.
Police said, “After detecting the presence of terrorists during the search operation, they were given ample opportunities to surrender. However, they denied those chances of surrender and instead fired indiscriminately at the joint search party, which retaliated. There was an encounter in action.”
In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the encounter site. They have been identified as Nadeem Nazir Bhat resident of Koil Shikargah, Tral and Rahi Rasool Bhat alias Adil, resident of Kanipora Dadsara.
Officials said, “As per the police records, both were categorized as terrorists affiliated with the banned terrorist organization AUGH and were part of groups involved in several terrorist crime cases including IED blasts and grenade attacks on police and security force installations. “
Incriminating material, arms and ammunition along with two AK series rifles have also been recovered from them.
Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated the joint teams of police and security forces for eliminating five terrorists within 48 hours in three successful operations without any collateral damage.
Police have also registered a case under relevant sections and started investigation.
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