5 terrorists killed, 2 soldiers injured in Kulgam encounter: Police

Srinagar, Dec 19: One of the longest-surviving terror commanders of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen was among five terrorists killed in a six-hour gunfight with the security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Thursday morning. Two Army soldiers were also injured in the encounter.

The gunfight took place in Kadder village of Kulgam after security forces received credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area.

A joint team of the J&K Police, 34 RR, and CRPF cordoned off the area during the intervening night.

As the forces closed in before dawn, terrorists attempted to break the cordon, rushing out of a house toward a nearby orchard while opening indiscriminate fire.

In the initial exchange of gunfire, two soldiers were injured.

The fire was effectively retaliated, triggering a fierce encounter.

Five terrorists were killed and they were identified as Farooq Ahmad Bhat; Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo from Muhammadpur, who joined Hizb in March 2020; Adil Hussain from Khandipora, active for over a year; Yasir Javid from Kulgam, who joined terrorist ranks in 2023; and Muhammad Irfan from Hawoorah, active since 2022.

“A significant cache of weapons and materials was recovered from the site of the gunfight, including five AK-47 rifles, four grenades, 12 magazines, cash, and essential supplies. Five terrorists have been neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing operation in Kader, Kulgam. During the gunfight, two soldiers suffered injuries and have been evacuated for medical care. Operation is in progress. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA,” Chinar Corps-Indian Army posted on X.

In a post on X, the J&K Police said, “Five terrorists neutralised in Kulgam anti-terrorist operation.”

The post said that search operations were continuing.

Police said Farooq Ahmad Bhat alias Umer and Farooq was the longest surviving terrorist killed during the encounter.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, south Kashmir, Javid Ahmad Mattoo said that Bhat, a 44-year-old of Yaripora in Kulgam, had been active in terror ranks since 2015 and was one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir.

“He was involved in orchestrating multiple attacks across south Kashmir, with 37 FIRs registered against him,” the DIG told reporters. “He was categorised as an ‘A ’ militant in Police records and figured in the most-wanted militants’ list.”

Commander of 2 Sector RR, Brigadier Anirudh Chauhan described the operation as a decisive blow to Hizb in the twin districts of Kulgam and Shopian.

“The outfit stands wiped out from these districts,” he said adding that joint security forces were chasing the group during the last two months.

“I congratulate the Police, Army, and CRPF for a well-coordinated and swift operation,” Brigadier Anirudh Chauhan said. “We also congratulate the people of Kulgam for helping security forces.”

He said security forces recovered multiple identity cards, including Aadhaar, voter identity cards, and cash from the killed terrorists.

“After the initial exchange of fire at 3:15 am, we evacuated the civilians to safer places,” he said adding that the aim of security forces was not to harm any civilian. “Farooq Ahmad Bhat was responsible for multiple attacks in south Kashmir. His death, along with the other militants, marks a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism.”

This is the second significant gunfight in Kulgam this year.

On July 8, six terrorists and two soldiers were killed in separate encounters in the district.