J&K: 4 terrorists gunned down in Awantipora and Bijbehara, another 3 arrested in Srinagar; operation on

Jammu and Kashmir: Four terrorists have been eliminated in two separate encounters between security forces and terrorists in J&K on Tuesday. Three terrorists have been neutralised in Awantipora. In a separate encounter in Bijbehara of south Kashmir's Anantnag, one terrorist has been gunned down. The encounter in Awantipora and Bijbehara is on.

Regarding the Awantipora encounter, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said, "LeT cmdr Mukhtar Bhat was among the three killed terrorists. As per source, he along with foreign terrorist was going for fidayeen attack on SFs camp. One AK-74 rifle, one AK-56 rifle and 1 pistol were recovered. Awantipora Police and Army averted a major terror incident." As per preliminary information, the terrorists were involved in several terror crimes including killing of one ASI of CRPF and two RPF personnel.

In another update, three hybrid militants of LeT were arrested during an anti-militancy operation in Srinagar and Budgam districts of Jammu and Kashmir. 10 kgs bucket IED along with two hand grenades have been recovered from them.

IED destroyed in Rangreth

The IED is being destroyed at the place of recovery in the Rangreth area by the Bomb Disposal squad. A case has been registered under relevant sections of UAPA, Arms act and Explosives act, the Srinagar Police informed.

Ultras revealed the location of an IED upon interrogation

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Semthan area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

Militants opened fire on the security forces who retaliated.

Meanwhile, another encounter broke out in Khandipora area of Pulwama district.

In a separate operation, police established a checkpoint at Harnambal area of the city following information about the movement of ultras in the area, a police spokesman said.

"Two hybrid terrorists -- Aamir Mushtaq Dar and Kabil Rashid -- were arrested at the Naka. Two grenades were recovered from their possession," the spokesman said.

He said the duo disclosed the identity of their third associate -- Aqib Jamal Bhat -- who was arrested from Sozaith in Budgam.

'Hybrid' militants are not listed as ultras but are radicalised enough to carry out a terror strike and then slip back into routine life.

During questioning, the arrested ultras revealed the location of an IED in Rangreth area of the city, the spokesman said.

"The IED, weighing around 10 kg, was recovered and destroyed," he added.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of UAPA, Explosives act and Arms Act in Police Station Chanapora, the spokesman said adding all three persons are affiliated with LeT. 

(with inputs from agencies)

Published on: Tuesday, November 01, 2022, 08:34 PM IST