Killing of six terrorists in Kulgam a significant blow to terror outfits in Kashmir: Army

Srinagar, July 08: Army on Monday said that the killing of six terrorists in two encounters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district is a “significant blow” to terror outfits in Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference in Khanabal Anantnag, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Sector Prithvi Raj Chauhan said the Kulgam operation has left terrorist organizations in Kashmir leaderless, dealing a crucial blow to their operations.

“The twin successful operations by security forces in Kulgam has dealt a significant blow to terror organizations in Kashmir,” the GOC 2 Sector told media persons.

“Based on specific input from Higher HQ and corroborated information regarding the likely presence of a group of terrorists in the general area of Chinigam, Frisal in south Kashmir, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the troops of Rashtriya Rifles and JKP on 06 Jun 2024,” he said.

The officer said the joint operation was initiated during the early hours to apprehend the terrorists. However, no suspicious movement was observed during the search operations, and the operation was called off in the afternoon.

“Following the de-induction of forces, credible input regarding suspicious movement in the same area was received from a local source, prompting an immediate re-launch of cordon and search operations in the same general area while concurrently strengthening the cordon with troops operating in nearby areas,” the officer said.

He said, “As the security forces approached the target area, the hiding terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on them. One Army personnel sustained a gunshot wound during the exchange of fire. The individual was immediately evacuated from the operation site and later flown to 92 Base Hospital by Army Aviation helicopter, where he succumbed to his injuries”,

He also said that security forces retaliated with precision, and in the ensuing firefight, four terrorists of the proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) organization were killed.

He said war-like stores were also recovered. The slain terrorists have been identified as Yawar Ahmad Dar, S/o Basir Ahmad Dar, R/o Redwani Bala; Zahid Ahmad Dar, S/o Ghulam Mohammad Dar, R/o Chak Dasand; Tauheed Ahmad Rather, S/o Abdul Satar Rather, R/o Odura; and Shakeel Ahmad Wani, R/o Khori, Batapura.

“Some of these neutralized terrorists are suspected to have been involved in various terror activities in Kulgam and adjoining districts. Throughout the operation, security forces exercised extreme restraint to ensure minimal collateral damage. All recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation. A case has been registered under relevant sections of law, and the investigation has commenced,” the GOC said.

DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal said that operations were launched in these areas on specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in which six terrorists were killed.