LeT terrorist killed in Shopian encounter

Srinagar, Jan 5: In a joint operation, the Police, along with Army and CRPF killed a terrorist affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Shopian district of south Kashmir.

Police said that acting on a specific intelligence about the presence of a terrorist in Chotigam area of Shopian, Police, Army’s 34 RR, and CRPF 178 Bn started a coordinated Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the early hours.

“As the joint party approached the suspected location, the hiding terrorist opened indiscriminate fire at the search party. The security forces retaliated effectively, leading to a fierce encounter,” Police said. “In the exchange of gunfire, a terrorist identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat of Chek Cholan was killed. Bhat was affiliated with the LeT.”

Police said, according to their records, Bhat was involved in several terror-related incidents, including the killing of local Army personnel Umer Fayaz in Sudsan, Kulgam.

They said he also carried a grenade attack on non-local labourers in Hermain, resulting in the immediate death of two labourers.

Police said Bhat was also implicated in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sunil Kumar Bhat and the injury of another Kashmiri Pandit, Pretimber Nath, both residents of Chotigam, Shopian.

They said that he was also involved in the killing of a local, Bal Krishan alias Sonu.

Police said that he played a role in instigating local youth to join terrorist ranks, successfully recruiting 12 youth.

They said that he was also linked to the killing of an arrested terrorist who was leading a search party during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Nowgam in 2022.

The security forces recovered incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition from the encounter site, including one AK series rifle and three magazines.

All the recovered items have been documented for further investigation to determine their connection to additional terror-related activities.

The Police, initiating a thorough investigation, has registered a case under the relevant sections of the law.

The authorities have urged the people to cooperate until the area is completely sanitised and cleared of any explosive material.

Meanwhile, the Army’s Chinar Corps posted on X: “On specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice and @crpf_srinagar on the intervening night of January 4 and January 5 at Chotigam, Shopian. One terrorist has been killed. One AK rifle, two hand grenades, and other war-like stores have been recovered.”