Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Security forces neutralised a total of eight terrorists in two parallel operations stretched over two days in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The two operations, which had begun yesterday, resumed earlier this morning. While a total of three Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terrorists were eliminated in Pulwama, a mixed group of five JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists were neutralised by forces in Shopian.
Three JeM terrorists eliminated in Pulwama
Earlier yesterday, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation at Meej in Pampore area of Pulwama in South Kashmir. Officials said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired upon a search party of the forces, who retaliated.
One terrorist was killed in the gunfight yesterday, but the other two entered a nearby mosque to take refuge inside it, officials said.
Subsequently, today morning, security forces used tear smoke shells to force the holed up militants out of the mosque, the officials said, adding the two were then killed by the forces while maintaining the sanctity of the religious place.
Vijay Kumar, IGP (Kashmir) said, "Patience and professionalism worked. No use of firing or IED. Used tear smoke shells only. Maintained the sanctity of the mosque. Both militants hiding inside the mosque have been neutralised."
The slain terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) outfit.
Read:Unidentified terrorist killed by security forces in Pulwama encounter, operation underway
Five JeM, HM terrorists killed in Shopian
Meanwhile, in the other gunfight in Bandpawa village of Shopian district, four terrorists were killed today, and one on Thursday in an encounter with the security forces. Police said they were a mixed group of both JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Security forces including the local police, Rashtriya Rifles and the central reserve police carried out the operations after receiving specific information about the presence of terrorists in Awantipora area of Pulwama and in Bandpawa village of Shopian district.
Reports said the security forces did not suffer any casualty during these operations.
"The Awantipora operation has ended while the Shopian operation is still going on," police said.
(With inputs from agencies)
