2 Terrorists killed in encounter by security forces in Pulwama district of J&K

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, two terrorists were killed by security forces in an encounter after joint forces of Army, J&K Police and CRPF on a specific input launched a cordon in Padgampora village in Awantipora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district in the wee hours today.

During the searches, terrorists hiding inside a mosque opened indiscriminate fire upon search parties and in the initial exchange of fire, two jawans of Army sustained grievous injuries while neutralizing one terrorist on spot. One of the jawans later on attained martyrdom.

Police in a statement said extreme caution and limited firepower was used in view of the sacred precincts while civilians praying inside were also evacuated on time preventing any collateral damage.

Resuming the search for the second terrorist who had holed up inside a bathroom of an adjacent building, again caution was exercised and 14 civilians were rescued from the place before he was



neutralized.

The slain terrorists have been identified as Aqib Mushtaq Bhat of Malangpora, Pulwama, 'A' Category terrorist associated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and for past few months was working with "The Resistance Front" (TRF) and Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, a 'C' Category associated with terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad and also working in coordination with TRF. 

Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifle, 01 AK-74 rifle, 01 pistol, 03 grenades, 02 pouches, 05 AK magazines, 02 pistol magazines, 103 AK rounds, 20 pistol rounds and 02 Aadhar Cards were recovered from the site of encounter.

Investigation so far revealed that both the terrorists, although joined through different terrorist organisations had come together to conspire and attack minorities, outsiders, other vulnerable targets and security forces. They were also involved in the recent killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Pandita at Achan Pulwama.