In a significant success for security forces in Kashmir, six terrorists have been killed in ongoing anti-terror operations in the Chingam and Modergam areas of Kulgam district in South Kashmir. Two Army jawans, however, have lost their lives The operations, which started on Saturday, are under way.
According to sources, the initial identification of the six local terrorists killed in the Kulgam anti-terror operations are as follows: 1. Tawheed Ahmad Rather of Awdora, Kulgam. 2. Zahid Ahmad Dar of Dassand, Kulgam. 3. Yawar Bashir Dar of Redwani, Kulgam. 4. Shakeel Ahmad Wani of Khuri Batpora, Kulgam. 5. Adil Hussain Wani of Kutipora, Shopian. 6. Faisal Bashir Lone of Kanispora, Shopian.
All six terrorists were locals who joined terror outfits in and after 2021. Their deaths have dealt a significant blow to the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and The Resistance Front (TRF) outfits in Kashmir.
Officials said the security forces were conducting a cordon-and-search operation in Modergam village after receiving inputs about the presence of terrorists. The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon security personnel, a police official said. The encounters took place in Frisal Chinnigam and Modergam areas.
J-K DGP RR Swain stated: “According to confirmation, encounters have happened on two different sites. Six terrorists have been neutralized. Undoubtedly, this is a big milestone for the security forces, and these successes matter in strengthening the security environment. People are coming together to end terrorism, and the operations are gaining momentum. The current operation is still underway and has not reached its conclusion. We have received news of the involvement of local terrorists as well.”
Two Indian Army soldiers were also martyred in the operation. The fallen soldiers have been identified as Sepoy Pravin Janjal and Lance Naik Pardeep Kumar of the Army’s elite force.
Chinar Corps Indian Army tweeted, “ChinarCorps Cdr, Chief Secretary UT J&K, DGP J&K, other dignitaries & all ranks paid homage to L NK Pardeep Kumar and Sep Pravin Janjal Prabhakar, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Kulgam on 06 Jul 2024. Chinar Warriors salute the valour and sacrifice of both brave hearts. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families & are committed to their well-being.”
The encounter broke out on Saturday, with drones used to search for the bodies of the terrorists, according to officials. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, VK Birdhi, visited the encounter site and said the operation would continue. “Some bodies (of terrorists) have been sighted, but the encounter has not concluded yet,” he told reporters.
He added that the J-K Police and security forces continue to track the movement of terrorists, and the killing of these terrorists is a significant achievement for the security forces.
Earlier, a gunfight broke out in Modergam village after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists, the officials said.