Awantipora (Jammu-Kashmir): Police and security forces neutralised two terrorists in an anti-terrorist operation in Tral area of Awantipora on Saturday. Earlier, two terrorists were also killed in an encounter by Police & SFs in Shopian taking the toll to four in the last 12 hours.
Based on specific information generated by the police regarding the presence of terrorists in village Hardumir, Tral area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Awantipora Police and Army in the said area.
During the search operation, as the presence of terrorists got ascertained, they were given ample opportunities to surrender. However, they denied the surrender opportunities and instead fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which retaliated to the attack, leading to an encounter.
In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. They have been identified as Nadeem Nazir Bhat, son of Nazir Ahmad Bhat resident of Koil Shikargah Tral, and Rahi Rasool Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool resident of Kanipora Dadsara.
Also read: People of J-K headed towards poverty, maharajas' rule better than present govt: Azad
A senior police official said that the incident marked the second instance of gunfight in south Kashmir within a span of 14 hours.
As per police records, the slain terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and were part of groups involved in several terror crime cases, including IED blast and grenade attacks on police and security establishments.
Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including two AK series rifles were recovered from their possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.
IGP Kashmir 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 registered a case under relevant sections of law and an investigation has been initiated. People are requested to cooperate with the police till the encounter site is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any.
