4 Militants, Including IED Expert Killed In Twin Encounters With Security Forces In South Kashmir

Police and security forces neutralized two militants in an anti-terrorist operation in Awantipora, while two others were killed in an encounter in Shopian

4 Militants, Including IED Expert Killed In Twin Encounters With Security Forces In South Kashmir. (Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: Four militants, including an IED expert, were killed in two separate encounters between security forces and terrorists in South Kashmir within 12 hours on Saturday.

Police and security forces neutralized two militants in an anti-terrorist operation in Tral area of Awantipora, while two others were killed in an encounter by the police and security forces in Shopian, taking the toll to four in last 12 hours.

"Based on specific information generated by police regarding the presence of terrorists in Hardumir village in Tral area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the Awantipora police and the army," police said.

"After the presence of terrorists were ascertained during the search operation, they were given ample opportunities to surrender. However, they denied those surrender opportunities and instead fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter," police said.

In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the encounter site. They have been identified as Nadeem Nazir Bhat, resident of Koil Shikargah, Tral and Rahi Rasool Bhat alias Adil, a resident of Kanipora Dadsara.

"According to police records, both of them were categorized terrorists linked with proscribed terror outfit AuGH and were part of groups involved in several terror crime cases, including IED blast and grenade attacks on police and security force establishments," said officials.

Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including two AK series rifles were also recovered from their possession.

Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated the joint teams of police and security forces for eliminating five terrorists, within 48 hours, in three successful operations without any collateral damage.

Police have also registered a case under relevant sections of law and an investigation has been initiated.