Baramulla: Three terrorists were killed on Saturday morning in an overnight encounter with security forces in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said.
The operation in Chak Tapper Kreeri in the north Kashmir district’s Pattan area, began late Friday night, when following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a joint team of Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police laid a cordon around the village.
Briefing the media after the operation, Commander of the Army’s 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Sanjay Kannoth said that security forces had been receiving inputs about the movement of terrorists in Kreeri.
“Last night, we received specific intelligence from intelligence agencies about the presence of some unidentified terrorists in Chak Tapar/Watargam,” he said, adding that a cordon was established at the suspected location.
“Our columns were fired upon by the terrorists hiding in a disused building. As per the standard operating procedures, we returned the fire. The location was cordoned and reinforcements were inducted,” Brig Kannoth said.
He said the terrorists continued with incessant heavy firing on the troops throughout the night which was effectively countered.
“The operation continued in the morning when our troops in a very professional manner engaged the terrorists and neutralised them without any collateral damage to civilian life and property,” the army officer added.
In the operation, three “hardcore” terrorists were neutralised and a large quantity of war-like stores were recovered, Brig Kannoth said, adding that the identity of the terrorists is yet to be ascertained.
The officer said keeping in view the forthcoming sensitive events in the UT, “this operation assumes significant importance and is a notable success for the security forces and a disruption of nefarious Pakistani design in the Kashmir Valley”.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Birdi provided further insights into the operation. “The encounter was based on specific intelligence inputs, and it is still progressing. Bodies have been sighted, but we are awaiting further details. The security forces are focused on securing the target structure and area.”
Birdi also said that security forces are alert and attentive to thwart designs of anti-national elements, and said terrorists won’t be allowed to disrupt upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir.
“Security forces are alert and attentive. Any sort of design of terrorists which aims to upset upcoming Assembly elections in J&K will be foiled. They won’t be allowed to interrupt elections at any cost,” IGP said.
Replying to a query, the IGP Kashmir said that it will be premature to share operational details at this point of time.
“The topography of the area is wild and rugged, and is distanced from a populated area. It is premature at this point of time to connect anything with the penetration of terrorists into the area. It is a matter of investigation, and things will be cleared afterwards,” IGP maintained.
IGP Kashmir also underscored the determination of the security forces to maintain peace in the region. “Despite constant attempts by terrorists to disturb the peace, our forces are fully alert and prepared to foil any such attempts,” he said.
