Srinagar, Dec 19 : With the killing of five local Hizb terrorists from Kulgam belt in an encounter at Keddar area of Kulgam on Thursday, Security forces said that Hizb outfit has been wiped out from South Kashmir, first time since the eruption of terrorism in 1989.
Police army in a joint press conference said after the killing of five terrorists in Kulgam encounter today, there is not any active terrorist from the Hizb in the area which is for the first time since 1989.
South Kashmir which was once considered as a hot bed of terror activities has less than half dozen local militants active now, none from Hizb.
In a major breakthrough for security forces, five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including one of the longest-serving commanders, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, were killed in a fierce gunfight in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday.
Addressing the press conference, commander 34 RR said, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, the most high-profile terrorist killed in the operation, had been responsible for orchestrating several attacks across South Kashmir and was reportedly involved in planning and executing attacks on security forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Inspector General of Police for South Kashmir, Javaid Iqbal, Bhat had 37 FIRs registered against him. His death is being hailed as a major success in the fight against Hizbul Mujahideen and a blow to the outfit.
The other terrorists killed in the encounter were identified as Adil Hussain, son of Ghulam Muhammad Hajam, a resident of Kandipora, Kulgam, who had been active since 2020, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, son of Ghulam Hassan Itoo, a resident of Muhammad Pora, Kulgam, Yasir Javid Bhat, son of Javid Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Khanpora Yaripora, Kulgam and Muhammad Irfan Lone, son of Muhammad Yaqoob Lone, a resident of Hawoor, Kulgam.
A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of the gunfight, including five AK-47 rifles, four grenades, twelve magazinesand a large quantity of cash and essential supplies.
The recovery of such a large cache of weapons underscores the terrorists’ preparedness for prolonged operations.
Security officials have called the operation a major success, with the Army’s Sector Commander stating that Hizbul Mujahideen has effectively been wiped out from south Kashmir
