In a significant operation by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, an encounter with a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant resulted in the militant’s death, confirmed by the police on Friday.
The operation was launched following specific intelligence pinpointing the presence of a terrorist in Chotigam village within the South Kashmir district, leading to a quick cordon and search operation in the early hours, as detailed by a police spokesperson.
Upon the approach of the security forces towards the suspected location, the militant opened fire indiscriminately, triggering an exchange of gunfire, leading to the encounter. The spokesperson stated that during the confrontation, the militant, identified as Bilal Ahmed Bhat from Chek Cholan and affiliated with LeT, was neutralized, and his body was recovered from the site.
The spokesperson further disclosed Bhat’s involvement in multiple terror-related incidents, notably including the killing of Army personnel Umer Fayaz, as well as the fatal grenade attack on non-local laborers in Hermain, resulting in the deaths of two laborers. Additionally, Bhat was linked to the killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sunil Kumar Bhat and the injury of another Kashmiri Pandit, Pretimber Nath, both from Chotigam Shopian.
Bhat was reportedly involved in an attack on local resident Bal Krishan, also known as Sonu, from Chotigam. Security forces recovered incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition, including an AK series rifle and three magazines, from the encounter site. All recovered items have been seized for further investigation into potential links to other terrorist activities, as stated by the spokesperson.
