Two terrorists shot dead in overnight encounter in Jammu & Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Two terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter in Sopore area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Two soldiers and a civilian sustained bullet injuries in the fire exchange, and were stable after treatment, officials said Friday.

One of the slain terrorists was identified as Saifullah. The identity of the other terrorist was being ascertained, said IGP Kashmir VK Bhirdi, adding that arms, ammunition, and incriminating material were recovered from the dead terrorists.

On Thursday, a joint team of the Army’s 22RR, CRPF and J&K Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in Sopore’s Check Mohalla Nowpora based on intelligence inputs about the presence of some terrorists in the area. As the security personnel neared the suspected hideout, holed-up terrorists opened fire at the search party, triggering a gunfight.

After the night's lull, a fresh fire exchange erupted Friday morning, said officials, adding that further searches in the area were underway.

Lauding the security forces for the successful operation ahead of the parliamentary elections, the IGP said: “We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the Lok Sabha polls.” Polling for Baramulla constituency is slated to take place on May 20.

(with agency inputs)