At least eight militants have been eliminated in Jammu and Kashmir in over 48 hours during encounters between militants and security forces in at least four places, including Shopian, Baramulla, Bandipora and Sopore. The encounter at Bandipora district’s Hajin area, also claimed the life of a 12-year-old civilian who lost his life after being held hostage.
- Total Casualty: 8
- Shopian: 2 militants killed; encounter underway
- Bandipora: 2 militants killed
- Bandi Payeen village, Baramulla - 2 militants killed
- Sopore, Baramulla - 2 militants killed
Shopian: 2 Militants Killed
Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Imam Sahib area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Friday, 22 March, reported PTI.
The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Shopian following information about the presence of militants, an army official said.
The army official said that the militants opened fire on the security forces, who retaliated and triggered a gun battle.
ANI reported that the two terrorists have been identified as Showkat Ahmad Sheikh and Yasir Ahmad Shah and were affiliated with the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The duo were allegedly wanted for their complicity in many terror crimes in the past.
Showkat Ahmad Sheikh was also reportedly responsible for the abduction and killing of three police officials in 2018.
Bandipora: 2 Militants Eliminated by Security Forces
Two militants were eliminated by security forces in Hajin area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora on Friday. A 12-year-old boy, Atif Mir, too was killed after being held hostage by the two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists for 9 hours.
Police said security forces started a cordon and search operation in Hajin – once considered a zone "liberated" from militant control – following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants there on Thursday.
While one of the civilians was managed to escape the three story house where the hostages were being held, the minor remained trapped.
The militants who were in hiding, allegedly opened fire at the security forces in Mir Mohalla, sparking the gunfight.
The charred remains of the the terrorists, who have been identified as Pakistani nationals Ali and Hubaib were found on Friday along with the body of the minor.
Baramulla: 2 Militants Killed
In another encounter, two militants were killed at Bandi Payeen village in Kandi area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thursday, reported ANI.
One of the two militants has been identified as Aamir, a resident of Sopore, the police said.
An army officer and two soldiers who sustained injuries in the encounter, have been moved to the 92 Base Hospital. Three youths are also reported to have suffered injuries during clashes at BandiPayeen. according to Greater Kashmir.
The encounter broke out when a troop of 176 Battalion of the Central Reserve police Force (CRPF), SOG Kunzr and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) was carrying out a search operation.
In the aftermath of the encounter, the district administration of Baramulla decided to close all educational institutions in Bandi Payeen area of Chandoosa reported Greater Kashmir.
Schools have been advised to remain shut for at least 10 days till the area is sanitised as police officials said six grenades were found and destroyed from the debris at the encounter site.
Sopore: 2 Militants Killed
Two militants were killed in an encounter in Warpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday, 23 March, reported ANI.
The identities and affiliations of the militants are being ascertained. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. Police have registered a case and a probe is underway.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI and Greater Kashmir.)
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