Two militants were killed in an ongoing gunfight with security forces in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, reports said.
The encounter began around 6:50am when troops from 2 Para Special Forces, the Army’s 11 Rashtriya Rifles, 7th Assam Rifles, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) Kishtwar launched a search operation between Shari and Mandral Dhok in Singhpora village, Chhatroo.
As the forces neared the suspected location, the hiding militants opened fire, which triggered the gunfight.
The Army confirmed that an encounter is underway in the Chhatroo area.
It added that the operation, codenamed ‘Op Trashi’, is being carried out jointly with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Reinforcements have been deployed, and efforts to neutralise the hiding terrorists are ongoing. The operation is still in progress.
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The killing of the two terrorists comes after the killing of six terrorists in two separate encounters in Shopian and Tral in Pulwama within 48 hours. After the Pahalgam terror attack in which 25 tourists and one local horse ride operater were killed on April 22, security forces have intensified operations against terrorists. The police have also raised vigil against elements inimincal to security. Last week, 23 people from different parts of Kashmir were arrested for activities in ninnical national security.
The police have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh on information regarding three terrorists wanted in Pahalgam masscare, which was widely condemed by people in Kashmir. The attack has led to slump in tourist footfall amid ca cancellation of thousands of bookings. Tour operators say that the cancellation of bookings has not only impacted businesses related to tourism but also the informal sectors of the economy.