SRINAGAR, June 23: On a specific input regarding presence of terrorists in orchards of Shirmal area of Shopian, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 44RR and 178Bn CRPF in the said area.
During the search operation as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter.
In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter. He has been identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Qadir Bhat resident of Badigam Aishmuqam Anantnag linked with proscribed terror outfit HM. As per police records, the killed terrorist was active since 14/09/2020 and was involved in several terror crime cases.
Arms and ammunition including 01 pistol with magazine, 01 grenade & other incriminating materials were recovered from the encounter site. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe his complicity in other terror crimes. During the search operation one hideout was busted and later on destroyed.
In this connection police has registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared off of all the explosive materials, if any.
In another incident, in the evening at about 2015hrs terrorists fired upon a mobile shop owner inside his shop at Main Chowk Habba Kadal. He has been identified as Umer Nazir Bhat son of Nazir Ahmad Bhat resident of Kelashpora Habakadal. In this terror incident, he received critical gunshot injuries and was shifted to nearby hospital for the treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. Senior police officers reached at the terror crime spot. Investigation into the matter is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the circumstances which lead to this terror crime. Area has been cordoned off and search in the area is going on.
IGP Kashmir said that these innocent killings of civilian and local policemen are being committed by local terrorists of LeT (self claimed as TRF) on the instruction of terrorist Abbas Sheikh. They have been indulging in the terror crimes for money being paid by Pakistani handlers. These criminals are falsely labelling these innocent persons as informers to hide their sin.
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