Sopore Encounter: 2 LeT terrorists killed: IGP Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 26: Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed in an overnight Nowpora Sopore encounter while a civilian was injured during the exchange of fire, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi said Friday.

“Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter,” the IGP Kashmir told reporters. “One among the killed terrorists has been identified as Saifullah while efforts are underway to ascertain the identity of the second terrorist.”

“A civilian received minor injuries and is being treated at a government hospital,” he said. “His condition is stable.”

Birdi said that J&K Police, 22 Rashtriya Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on Thursday evening after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Nowpora area of Sopore.

“The joint parties of the Police, Army, and CRPF started searches. However, they were fired at by the hiding terrorists,” he said. “The gunfire was retaliated, triggering an encounter. The encounter ended in the killing of both the terrorists.”

The IGP Kashmir said that the recovery of documents from the killed terrorists helped in the identification process.

“The successful operation reflects the alertness of security forces ahead of Lok Sabha polls in Kashmir,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining security and stability in Kashmir during the electoral process, Birdi said that they were committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the Lok Sabha polls.

He said that arms, ammunition, and incriminating material were recovered from the killed terrorists, indicating their nefarious intent.

About the involvement of terrorists in two civilian killings in Baramulla district, the Kashmir Police chief said that it was a matter of investigation.

A report said that two soldiers also received injuries during the encounter.

However, there was no official confirmation.

The Sopore encounter took place two days after the brief shootout in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.

During the shootout, two soldiers sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army posted on the microblogging site ‘X’: “Update OP NOWPURA, Sopore, #Baramulla. A Joint operation was launched on 25 Apr in Nowpura, Sopore. Contact was established & firefight ensued. 02xTerrorists have been eliminated along with the recovery of 02xAK Rifles, ammunition, equipment and other war-like stores. The operation has been concluded. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA.”