In a major success in the ongoing anti-terrorist operation in Kashmir’s hinterland and forward areas, security forces on Monday gunned down six terrorists, including five infiltrators in two separate encounters in Machil sector of north Kashmir and Samboora village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama on Monday.
Meanwhile, in yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops fired sniper shots in Silikoot area of Uri, over 100 kms from Srinagar late on Monday evening injuring a soldier. “The injured jawan was shifted to Army’s 92 base hospital in Srinagar for treatment,” Defence sources said.
Defence sources said the five infiltrators were killed along the line of Control (loC) in Machil sector, over 150 kilometres from Srinagar.
“The group of infiltrators was challenged. They opened fire triggering a gunfight. Five terrorists have been eliminated so far and five weapons recovered,” Srinagar-based Defence spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia said. The combing operation was underway in the area till last reports came in from the area late on Monday.
The identity of terrorists and the group they belonged to has not been established as yet. Their documents and seizures are being verified.
The infiltrators were challenged very close to the loC fence known as Anti Insurgency Obstacle System (AIOS). Their movement had been noticed by the troops near z-Gali are, sources said.
This year 47 terrorists have been killed along the loC while infiltrating into valley. The Army claimed that at least 20 infiltration bids have been foiled this year.
The major infiltration bid was foiled hours after security forces shot dead a terrorist of lahkar-e-Tayyeba (leT) outfit, a suspected aide of Abu Ismail, the south Kashmir leader of the banned outfit, during an intense gunfight at Samboora village in Pulwama district, around 25 kilometers from here.
Two terrorists are believed to have escaped from the encounter site, at least one in an injured state.
A police spokesperson said the encounter broke out late on Sunday night after the Army and police cordoned off the area following inputs about the presence of terrorists.
The official said Awantipora Police, 50 RR and CRPF jointly participated in the encounter in which the leT terrorist, identified as Umer of Pakistan, was killed.
“Two terrorists escaped from the encounter site, one among them was injured. One AK 47 rifle was seized from the encounter site,” the spokesperson said. “Role of Umar in different crimes perpetrated by Abu Ismail group is being ascertained,” police said.
Abu Ismail has been designated ‘divisional commander’ of leT outfit for south Kashmir after the killing of Abu Dujana. Police have blamed him for launching attack on Amarnath pilgrims last month that resulted into death of eight pilgrims.
During the exchange of fire, a large number of local people staged protests and attempted to disrupt the operation. The encounter triggered spontaneous shutdown in several parts of Pulwama district. Clashes erupted in Pulwama town as police and paramilitaries used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth who were throwing stones on them.
Meanwhile, a shutdown was observed in Hajin, Baramulla and Sopore pockets of north Kashmir to mourn the death of three terrorists killed at Amargarh village of Sopore a couple of days before. All the shops, business establishments and the educational institutes remained closed in these areas while the traffic movement was affected. The authorities suspended mobile internet services in the district after the killing of terrorists.