In a tense encounter on Saturday morning, security forces neutralised a Pakistani terrorist affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Four security personnel, including two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans and two police officers, sustained injuries during the operation, but their condition is reported to be stable after treatment at the Army’s 92 Base Hospital.
Kashmir IGP VK Birdi said, “Two terrorists have been killed in this operation and now this operation is coming to a conclusion. We keep getting inputs and only after developing these inputs do the security forces take such action, so this is a good initiative from our side and also a significant achievement.”
“Now this operation has been completed. Security forces have killed a terrorist, who has been identified as Usman…, he was the commander of LeT and 4 security personnel have been injured. He is a foreign terrorist and his role and involvement in the murder of Inspector Masroor has come to light and further investigation is being done in this regard,” the Kashmir IGP adds.
The encounter began as security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Khanyar, a densely populated locality, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists. As the security forces moved in, terrorists opened fire, sparking an exchange of gunfire. During the clash, a fire broke out in the building where the terrorist was hiding, sending plumes of thick grey smoke into the sky.
Officials confirmed that the terrorist killed in the encounter was a Pakistani national and a senior member of the LeT. “Given his age, he seems to be the senior-most terrorist of the LeT,” said a senior police officer. The operation is ongoing, as security personnel continue to secure the area and search for any other potential threats.
In a separate operation on Saturday, two additional terrorists were neutralized near Halkan Gali in the Shangus-Larnoo area of Anantnag district. Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been on heightened alert, as multiple regions have seen increased insurgent movements in recent months.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, visited the border district of Rajouri to assess security measures and operational preparedness. Accompanied by the GOC of counter-insurgency force Romeo, Lt Gen Sachdeva underscored the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region. This visit followed his review of operations in Kishtwar, another district with high counter-terrorism activity.
“Unwavering commitment is essential for maintaining stability in the region,” the White Knight Corps shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The intensified counter-insurgency operations in Rajouri, Kishtwar, and other sensitive areas in Jammu aim to thwart terrorist infiltration and safeguard the region’s stability.
(With agency inputs)