Five Terrorists, Including Longest-Serving HM Member, Killed in Kulgam Encounter
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Srinagar, Dec 19 (NationPress) The longest-serving terrorist from the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) group was among five terrorists who lost their lives on Thursday during an intense gunfight with joint security forces in Kulgam district, J&K, as per officials.
"Farooq Nali, the longest-serving HM terrorist, was killed today alongside four others from the same group during a fierce encounter with the joint forces in Kadder village of Behibagh area in Kulgam district. The other four deceased terrorists have been identified as Mushtaq Itoo, Irfan Lone, Adil Hajam, and Yasir Javed Bhat. Five AK-47 rifles were recovered from the slain terrorists," an official stated.
This incident marks the highest number of terrorists killed in a single operation by security forces in J&K for the year 2024.
"Joint forces, including 34 Rashtriya Rifles, police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Kadder village after receiving intelligence about a group of terrorists hiding there. As the forces closed in, the terrorists opened fire, leading to an encounter that resulted in the deaths of five terrorists and injuries to two soldiers," the official added.
Security forces regard the killing of five terrorists in Kulgam as a significant achievement in their ongoing efforts to dismantle the terror ecosystem in J&K.
They have launched a vigorous campaign against terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers to further dismantle the terror framework.
In Kashmir Valley, properties valued at several crores belonging to drug smugglers and peddlers have been seized following appropriate orders from the relevant authorities.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has been leading high-level security meetings, issuing explicit directives to security forces to intensify their operations against the terror ecosystem.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to chair a crucial security review meeting concerning J&K in Delhi on Thursday, which will include the heads of intelligence agencies, police, CAPFs, and others involved in the anti-terrorist efforts in J&K.
In response to several heinous attacks by terrorists after peaceful Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in J&K, security forces have revised their strategies.
These elections were observed by diplomats from various nations, which, according to intelligence sources, has frustrated the terror handlers across the border in Pakistan.
Intelligence reports suggest that these handlers have instructed terrorists in J&K to deliver a final push for the waning terrorism.
Increased vigilance is being exercised at the J&K border due to indications that terrorists are poised at launching pads, ready to infiltrate the Indian territory before the mountain passes are obstructed by seasonal snowfall.
