Srinagar, Nov 8: Two terrorists were killed during an encounter with the security forces in the Sagipora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
According to the Army, the encounter which lasted for more than 12 hours, resulted in the killing of two unidentified terrorists while recoveries were also made by the security agencies from the encounter spot.
After the operation concluded, the security agencies termed it a “big success” for them saying that the terrorists were active in north Kashmir for some time.
Addressing media persons, Commander Headquarters 7 Sector Rashtriya Rifles and headquarters of Counter Insurgency Force (KILO), Deepak Mohan said that the Army and the J&K Police collaborated for a few weeks to track the terrorists following which significant success was achieved by killing several known terrorists in north Kashmir.
The Army Commander was accompanied by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, North Kashmir Range (NKR), Maqsud-u-Zamaan and SP Sopore Divya D.
“Success of the operations was possible due to the unwavering support of the people of Kashmir. We are grateful to the thoughts and efforts of locals who have helped us maintain peace in Kashmir,” the Army Commander said.
He said that the security forces would continue to strive to maintain peace in Kashmir.
“We wish that prosperity and development will continue in Kashmir with the same momentum,” the Army Commander said.
Briefing about the Sopore encounter, he said that for the past some time, intelligence inputs were being received by security forces regarding terrorist activities in the Baramulla district.
“The Army received information regarding two terrorists hiding in Panipura village on November 7, 2024,” the Army Commander said.
He said that considering the gravity of the specific intelligence, the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF collaborated to launch a joint operation and cordoned the suspected area.
“During the cordon operation, certain suspicious activities were challenged by the Army, following which the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the Army personnel while taking cover of the local settlements,” the Army Commander said.
He said that the troops retaliated in a controlled and effective manner while ascertaining their location as well.
“During this exchange of fire, the Army got the nearby houses vacated with due consideration to the safety and security of locals and the movement of terrorists was kept under constant surveillance through the use of Quadcopters,” the Army Commander said.
He said that the encounter which broke out late Thursday evening was suspended due to light and the hiding terrorists resumed firing on Friday morning, which was retaliated by the troops.
“The Army retaliated with complete determination and alertness and killed both the terrorists while keeping the safety of the local population in mind,” the Army Commander said.
He said that the identification of both the killed terrorists was still in progress.
“Sources and recoveries have revealed that this terrorist organisation was active in north Kashmir for quite some time. The killing of both these terrorists is a huge success for all of us,” the Army Commander said.
He also congratulated the J&K Police, paramilitary CRPF, and soldiers of the Indian Army and attributed the success of the Sopore operation to their tireless efforts.
This was the third encounter in north Kashmir range in the last three days which resulted in the killing of four militants.
As per the details, seven militants including five foreigners were killed in the first eight days of November.
Besides the two militants killed in the Sopore encounter, two local militants were earlier killed in Shangus Anantnag while a foreign LeT terrorist commander was killed in Srinagar’s Khanyar area and a foreign terrorist was killed in Bandipora forests as well.
Another foreign terrorist was killed during an encounter in the Lolab forest.
