After the killing of Captain Umar Fiaz and other terror-related incidents, security forces, in collaboration with the police, successfully neutralized Bilal Ahmed Bhat, a terrorist associated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. The anti-terror operation took place in the Chotigam area of South Kashmir’s Shopian District.
Jammu kashmir Police spokesperson said “Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the village of Chotigam in Shopian, a joint cordon and search operation was launched in the early hours by the Police, Army (34RR), and CRPF (178Bn). As the joint party approached the suspected location, the hidden terrorist unleashed indiscriminate fire upon the search party. The security forces responded effectively, leading to a confrontational encounter resulting in the killing of Bilal Ahmed Bhat. His body was recovered from the site and identified as the son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat, a resident of Chek Cholan, affiliated with the proscribed LeT.
Police records indicate that Bhat was involved in numerous terror-related crimes, including the killing of local army personnel Umer Fayaz in Sudsan Kulgam. He was responsible for hurling grenades at non-local laborers in Hermain, causing the immediate death of two laborers. Furthermore, Bhat was implicated in the killing of Kashmiri pandit Sunil Kumar Bhat and the injury of another Kashmiri pandit, Pretimber Nath, both residents of Chotigam Shopian. His criminal activities extended to an attack on local resident Bal Krishan @Sonu. Additionally, Bhat played a role in instigating local youth to join terrorist ranks, resulting in the induction of 12 individuals. Notably, he was also involved in the killing of an arrested terrorist who was leading a search party during a CASO at Nowgam in 2022.
Following the encounter, security forces recovered incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition, including an AK series rifle and three magazines. All seized items have been documented for further investigation to determine their complicity in other terror-related crimes.
In response to the operation, the police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law, and an investigation is underway. Authorities urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement until the area is completely sanitized and cleared of any explosive materials.
