Militant Linked to Gagangir Attack Neutralized in Srinagar Operation

Srinagar, Dec 3 (NationPress) A local militant associated with the Gagangir terror incident that occurred on October 20 has been neutralized during an anti-terror operation in the Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

According to officials, a terrorist identified as Junaid Ramzan Bhat, a commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) hailing from the Qaimoh region of Kulgam district, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Dachigam (Harwan) area of Srinagar.

“He was a key figure wanted for his role in the Gagangir attack in Ganderbal district on October 20, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including six non-local laborers of an infrastructure company and a local physician,” the officials stated.

“A US-manufactured M4 assault rifle was recovered from the scene of the encounter,” they added.

In a statement released on X, the police said, “#OPDachigam: In the ongoing operation, one #terrorist has been killed and identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat (LeT, Category A). This terrorist was involved in the killing of civilians at Gagangir, Ganderbal, as well as several other terror incidents.”

Investigations into the Gagangir attack had uncovered that the assault was executed by two terrorists: one a foreign mercenary and the other a local LeT militant from Kulgam district, both of whom perpetrated this heinous attack on civilian workers.

The operation continues in the area, according to officials.

Firing exchanges occurred late Monday evening between security forces and terrorists in the upper mountainous region of Harwan in Srinagar district.

“These exchanges of fire began during a Cordon & Search Operation (CASO) initiated by security forces following specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the vicinity,” officials reported.

“As of now, one terrorist has been killed in this operation. The cordon around the area where terrorists are believed to be hiding has been reinforced. The operation recommenced at first light on Tuesday morning,” officials stated.

In light of recent attacks, security forces have ramped up operations against terrorists.

The Gagangir attack on October 20 resulted in the death of seven individuals when terrorists struck a workers' camp for an infrastructure project in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district.

On October 24, terrorists killed three Army personnel and two civilian porters in an assault on an Army vehicle in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg, located in Baramulla district.

The loss of nine civilians and three Army soldiers in the attacks at Gagangir and Gulmarg drew widespread condemnation.

On November 2, terrorists launched a grenade attack at the bustling Sunday Market near the tourist reception center in Srinagar, which resulted in the death of a 42-year-old mother of three and injured nine other civilians.

The Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, stated after these attacks that those responsible would face severe consequences.

He emphasized that every drop of civilian blood spilled would be avenged.

Security forces have intensified their focus on targeting terrorists, their Over Ground Workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.