Massive searches underway at both encounter sites: IGP Kashmir
Significant achievement for security forces in the Valley
Srinagar, July 06: In twin encounters in Kulgam district of southern Kashmir on Saturday, four unidentified terrorists and two Army personnel were killed, police confirmed. Operations are still ongoing in both areas.
The first encounter began in Mudergham village following intelligence reports about terrorist presence. An intense exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the death of two Army men who succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
As per police officer, the two slain Army men killed in Kulgam have been identified as LNk Pardeep Kumar of 1PARA (SF) and Sep Janjal Pravin Prabhakar of 1RR was killed in another encounter at Frisal area of Kulgam.
Meanwhile, four terrorists have been killed so far in this operation and that is still underway. “All are believed to be from Hizb including their top commander,” he said.
Encounter is still underway in the village and more forces have been deployed in the area to track the terrorists hiding in the area.
Meanwhile, in Frisal Chinnigam area, another encounter resulted in the killing of four terrorists, with 2-3 more reportedly trapped in a targeted house. This operation is described as one of the largest of the year, with a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander believed among the slain, sources said.
Talking to reporters at the encounter site, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said on Saturday, there was specific information regarding the presence of terrorists in the village and after that target house was covered from multiple points.
“During the search operation, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which retaliated effectively leading to an encounter in Frisal Chinnigam,” he said.
IGP Kashmir said the encounter is still underway and bodies of terrorists have been spotted at the encounter site. Firing is going from both sides, he said.
“The encounter occurred in the interior of a village that is adjacent to Jammu-Srinagar highway. Both Jammu and Kashmir and other security agencies are tracking such movements and it is a significant achievement for security forces in the Valley, he said.
IGP Bidhuri said they have cordoned the area and all roads leading to the encounter site have been sealed. Currently firing is going on from both sides,” he added.
SSP Kulgam Sahil Sarangal informed that both anti-terrorist operations are underway in the area. Both areas have been cordoned off by the security forces to trace the hiding terrorists, he added.
Recently, Jammu and Kashmir DGP R R Swain said that law-enforcement agencies and security forces have full control over the Union Territory’s security situation.
“The level of fear is significantly lower compared to three to four years ago and highlighted the improved law-and-order situation, as demonstrated by the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha polls,” he added.
