In a major anti-terror operation, three militants belonging to the Khalistani Commando Force were gunned down in a joint operation by Punjab and Uttar Pradesh police in Pilibhit’s Puranpur area early Monday morning. The encounter left two policemen injured, while the police recovered a significant cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and two Glock pistols, from the spot.

The operation was carried out around 5 am near the Hardoi Branch Canal after Punjab police traced the location of the wanted militants to Pilibhit. The three militants, all hailing from Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, were accused of orchestrating a grenade attack on a police outpost in Gurdaspur on December 19.

According to officials, the militants were traveling on a motorcycle when they were intercepted by the joint police team. Upon being surrounded, the trio opened fire indiscriminately using their automatic weapons. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, all three were neutralized. Two policemen sustained injuries during the operation.

The sounds of gunfire in the early hours sent shockwaves through nearby villages, with residents initially unsure of the nature of the operation. Bullet marks on police vehicles and the seizure of a motorcycle used by the militants indicated the intensity of the encounter.

Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, two Glock pistols, and a large quantity of ammunition from the site. Visuals of the operation and the seized weapons have surfaced, highlighting the scale of the encounter.

The militants were wanted for their involvement in the grenade attack on the Bakshiwal police outpost in Gurdaspur’s Kalanour area. The Khalistan Zindabad Force had claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, naming Jaswinder Singh Baghi, alias Mannu Agwan, as the mastermind. Investigations revealed the attackers had used an auto-rickshaw to reach the outpost, which was later seized by the police.

Senior officials termed the operation a significant success in the fight against terrorism. “The militants posed a grave threat, and their neutralization is a crucial step in ensuring public safety,” a senior police officer said.

“The operation underscores the need for coordinated efforts among state police forces to tackle cross-border terrorism and neutralize threats posed by extremist groups,” DGP Prashant Kumar said. Investigations are ongoing to trace the militants’ network and potential accomplices.