Four security personnel injured in Srinagar encounter
CASO underway in Bandipora
Srinagar, Nov 02: A top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander, identified as Usman, also known as Chotta Waleed, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Srinagar’s Khanyar area on Saturday. Four security personnel—two from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and two CRPF members—were injured in the operation and taken to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital, where they are reported to be stable.
Meanwhile, in a separate encounter in Shangus area of Anantnag, two terrorists were also neutralized, police said on Saturday.
Kashmir has witnessed multiple terror attacks over the past two days, prompting security forces to intensify their operations in the region.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Birdi said that LeT Commander Usman was involved in high-profile attacks, including the killing of Inspector Masroor in 2023.
“The operation has now concluded, with security forces eliminating Lashkar-e-Toiba Commander Usman. Along with the elimination of the top terrorist commander, four security personnel were injured,” Birdi said.
The encounter began when search teams approached a suspected hideout and came under heavy gunfire, sparking a daylong exchange.
Usman, termed as one of the old member of the LeT, was close to TRF commander Sajad Gul, who is based in Pakistan. He had been active in the Valley for years and was linked to multiple attacks, including the 2023 shooting of Inspector Masroor Wani while he was playing cricket in Eidgah, officials said.
Another official said that Usman had been active in the Valley for a very long time and was involved in several attacks. His killing is a “major blow” to the LeT in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said during the operation, a fire broke out in the house where the terrorists were holed up, creating a thick plume of smoke.
Meanwhile, in another encounter, two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Anantnag district on Saturday. The encounter broke out after security forces initiated an anti-terrorist operation in the Halkan Gali area.
Based on specific input, a Joint Operation was launched by Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Srinagar Sector CRPF in gen area Halkan Gali, Anantnag.
IGP Birdi said that on November 2, 2024, suspicious movement near Halkan Gali was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, as a result, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on their own column. “It was effectively retaliated, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, ” he said.
Meanwhile, in a joint press conference held at Wuzur, Qazigund, Commander of 2 Sector RR Brigadier Anirudh Chouhan and DIG South Kashmir Range stated that two terrorists were killed in the operation and one among them was behind the killing of rifleman Hilal Ahmed, who was kidnapped and killed earlier this year.
Briefing about the details, Brigadier Chouhan further said that slain terrorist Arbaz Mir had previously crossed the Line of Control (LoC) but returned last year. He was involved in the killing of Rifleman Hilal Ahmed and had fled to Kulgam with an accomplice.
“After receiving information about their movements in Halkan Gali, Larnoo, a joint team of the army and police initiated an operation. The terrorists were spotted and challenged by our troops, leading to an intense gunfight after they opened fire indiscriminately,” he said.
The Army officer further said that during the encounter, a U.S.-made M-4 rifle and an AK rifle were recovered from the slain terrorists, along with other arms and ammunition.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir, Javaid Ahmed Matoo, identified the two slain terrorists as Zahid Ahmed Reshi from Hassanpora Bijbehara and Arbaz Ahmed Mir from Qaimoh, Kulgam.
“Both terrorists were linked to a series of attacks, including assaults on non-local labourers. This operation began early in the morning with the cordoning of the Halkan Gali area.
“Terrorist Zahid was involved in the killing of a non-local labourer in April before joining terrorist ranks, while Arbaz had been missing since 2018,” DIG Matoo said.
About the possibility of a third terrorist being involved, the DIG Matoo said that intelligence indicated only two terrorists were present, both of whom were killed.
“Terrorist groups have faced significant setbacks in recent years, prompting them to attempt to reassert their presence. We are actively tracking them and are committed to eliminating any remaining threats,” he added.
PRO Defence Srinagar, Lt Col MK Sahu said that two terrorists were killed in Halkan Gali, Anantnag, in a significant counter-terrorism operation.
“Acting on specific intelligence, security forces had been tracking the group’s activities for over a month. These terrorists were responsible for multiple attacks, including the targeting of Rifleman Hilal Ahmad Bhat of 162 Inf Bn(TA) on October 8 and previous incidents in General Area Halan, Bijbiara and Shangus,” he said.
The spokesman said that on November 2, at 11:45 AM, troops noticed suspicious movement and challenged the terrorists, who opened fire. Our forces effectively retaliated, neutralizing both terrorists.
“A large cache of arms and war-like stores was recovered. The success of this operation is attributed to the invaluable support and cooperation from the people of Anantnag and Kulgam, who provided crucial information and facilitated the operation,” he said.
The spokesman said that the Indian Army remains committed to upholding peace and stability in the region. Through operations like Halkan Gali, the Army demonstrates its unwavering resolve to protect citizens and combat terrorism.
“Army’s dedication to ensure a secure environment for all is unwavering, and its collaborative efforts with local authorities and the community will continue to yield positive results,” he added.
Meanwhile, a search operation is underway in the Pannar area of Bandipora district on Saturday following gunfire between security forces and terrorists late Friday.
An official said that gunfire started in Pannar after troops spotted the suspicious movement in the area. “After being challenged, the terrorists opened fire and fled into the forest,” he said
The Army’s chinar Corps in a post on X said that “On 01 November late evening, suspicious movement was spotted, in general area Panar of Bandipora, by alert troops”
“On being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire and escaped into the jungle. Search Operation underway,” the spokesman said.
Later in the evening, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi on Saturday visited the injured jawans of Khanyar encounter in Srinagar and assured them of full support throughout their recovery.
A police spokesman said that during his visit, the IGP expressed genuine concern for their recovery and inquired about their well-being, acknowledging their vital contributions to maintaining peace and security in the region.
IGP Birdi also offered words of encouragement and assured the injured personnel of full support throughout their recovery process.
Pertinently, on Friday, two migrant labourers working in the Magam area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district were shot at by terrorists. Both were immediately shifted to hospital where their condition is stated to be stable.
This was the fifth attack by terrorists in the Kashmir Valley since the formation of an elected government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
