High-profile militant commander active since 2015 killed in Kulgam encounter: Army

Srinagar, Dec 19: In a major breakthrough for security forces, five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including one of the longest-serving commanders, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, were killed in a fierce gunfight in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday.

The operation launched by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army and the CRPF, began after credible intelligence about the presence of militants in the Kadder area.

Acting on the tip-off, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to a prolonged exchange of fire that lasted several hours, resulting in the death of five terrorists, including Bhat, who had been active in the region since 2015.

Addressing the press conference, commander 34 RR as per news agency KINS said, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, the most high-profile militant killed in the operation, had been responsible for orchestrating several attacks across South Kashmir and was reportedly involved in planning and executing attacks on security forces.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Inspector General of Police for South Kashmir, Javaid Iqbal, Bhat had 37 FIRs registered against him. His death is being hailed as a major success in the fight against Hizbul Mujahideen and a blow to the outfit.

The other militants killed in the encounter were identified as Adil Hussain, son of Ghulam Muhammad Hajam, a resident of Kandipora, Kulgam, who had been active since 2020, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, son of Ghulam Hassan Itoo, a resident of Muhammad Pora, Kulgam, Yasir Javid Bhat, son of Javid Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Khanpora Yaripora, Kulgam and Muhammad Irfan Lone, son of Muhammad Yaqoob Lone, a resident of Hawoor, Kulgam.

A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of the gunfight, including five AK-47 rifles, four grenades, twelve magazines and a large quantity of cash and essential supplies. The recovery of such a large cache of weapons underscores the militants’ preparedness for prolonged operations.

Security officials have called the operation a major success, with the Army’s Sector Commander stating that Hizbul Mujahideen has effectively been wiped out from the twin districts of Shopian and Kulgam.