Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in J&K's Sopore: Sources

A terrorist was killed by security forces in a joint operation launched by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir police in Sopore based on a tip-off.

In Short

• One terrorist killed, two to three trapped by security forces in Sopore
• Encounter began during search operation based on tip-off
• Firing by security forces halted due to darkness in area, cordon will continue

A terrorist was killed and two to three others were trapped in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore on Saturday evening.

According to sources, based on a tip-off, the security forces launched a search operation in Sopore's Rampora area in Baramulla district when the terrorists fired at them.

In the retaliatory firing, one of the terrorists was killed by the teams of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

"OP RAJPURA, Baramulla. On 09 Nov 24, based on specific intelligence regarding presence of terrorists, a joint Operation launched by the IndianArmy & Jammu and Kashmir Police in general area Rajpura, Sopore, Baramulla. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing Operation in general area Rajpura, Sopore, Baramulla. Search Operation is in progress {sic}," Army's Chinar Core said.

The firing has been temporarily stopped by the security forces due to darkness in the area, the sources said, adding that they have sealed all the exit points in the area, leaving no chance for terrorists to escape.

This is the second encounter in Baramulla within a week. Earlier on Friday, November 8, in a separate encounter, two terrorists were also killed in Baramulla.

After the operation, the security forces also recovered incriminating materials, arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) VK Birdi said the operation was launched on Thursday, November 7, following information about the presence of terrorists in the area.

"As a cordon was being laid, there was an exchange of fire. We thought it prudent to first remove the civilians from the area. After that, the cordon and search operation turned into an encounter which ended on Friday morning with the killing of two terrorists," Birdi said.

"A cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the spot," he added.

Amid the stepped-up anti-terrorist operations across Jammu and Kashmir, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also reviewed the security situation in Kathua district on Saturday, November 9.

General Dwivedi visited areas bordering Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and also interacted with troops.