A joint team of security forces Thursday killed one of the longest surviving terrorist commanders belonging to the Pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist outfit along with four others during a six-hour-long fierce gunfight in the Kadder village of Behibagh area in South Kashmir's Kulgam district.
Two army jawans also received injuries during the successful operation as no other collateral damage was reported from the ground zero of the encounter site. To prevent any civilian from getting trapped during the gunfight the security forces had safely evacuated local villagers to safety before killing the group of terrorists holed up inside a safe hideout.
Five AK-47 rifles, 20 magazines, two grenades and other arms and ammunition have been recovered from the encounter site.
Confirming the killing of a top Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range, VK Birdi said Hizbul Commander Farooq Ahmed Bhat, also known as Farooq Nali, a resident of Yaripora in Kulgam, was among those killed in the encounter in the Kadder area of the district.
According to police records, Farooq Nali had been active since 2015 and was one of the longest-surviving terrorists. He was categorised as “A++”. He played a key role in radicalizing local youth and reviving terrorist activities in South Kashmir.
Addressing a press briefing after the encounter was called off Brigadier Anirudh Chauhan, Commander of 2 Sector RR said, " Five top active terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen were neutralized in the Kadder area of Kulgam. All five terrorists were involved in many criminal and terrorist activities. The Army officer claimed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Farooq Bhat played a big role in reviving terrorism in South Kashmir. With the neutralization of these 5 terrorists, we will gain speed in eliminating terrorism in J&K.
The army officer said during this operation, our two security personnel suffered bullet injuries. They are being treated at 92 Base Hospital. The army officer also acknowledged the role of the people of Kulgam for the success of this operation..."
According to police records, Farooq Bhat took control of the HM outfit after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander Saifullah in a 2020 gunbattle in Srinagar.
Four other slain terrorists have been identified as Mushtaq Itoo, active since March 2020, from Mohamad Pora, Kulgam, Adil Hussain, active since August 2023, from Khandipora, Mohd Irfan, active since June 2022 from Hawoorah and Yassir Javaid Bhat from Yaripora.
