Srinagar. The encounter continues for the sixth day on Monday, September 18 in Anantnag, Kashmir. According to media reports, this is the longest encounter going on in this area so far.
In the last 6 days, there were encounters between security forces and terrorists at three places. In this, 5 soldiers including Colonel, Major and DSP have been martyred, while the Army has killed 1 terrorist in Anantnag, 3 in Baramulla and 2 in Rajouri i.e. a total of 6 terrorists. The army still suspects two more terrorists hiding in the forests of Gadul Kokernag. Their locations are being searched with the most advanced drone Heron Mark-2.
Earlier in 2020, there was an encounter between security forces and terrorists for 18 hours. At the same time, this is the third longest running encounter in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the Bhatti Dhar forest operation conducted in Poonch district of Jammu lasted for 9 days. The operation, which began on 31 December 2008, ended on 9 January 2009. The longest encounter so far in Jammu took place in 2021. The operation went on for 19 days in the forests between Dera Ki Gali and Bhimber Gali in Poonch district.
Three suspected terrorists arrested in Kishtwar
On Monday, three suspected terrorists belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist organization were arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. They were identified as Tausif-ul-Nabi, Zahoor-ul-Hassan and Reyaz Ahmed. All three have been sent to jail.
At the same time, in Kishtwar district itself, police and security forces have arrested a person during a joint checking operation. 560 gelatin sticks weighing about 70 kg were found in his car. Kishtwar SSP Khalil Poswal said that he was illegally transporting explosive material used for road construction.
CRPF jawan accidentally shot in leg during search operation
During the search operation conducted on September 17, a CRPF jawan was accidentally shot in the leg. However, it is not yet known whose rifle the bullet was fired from. The jawan was identified as HC Manoj Kumar of 164 Bn CRPF. He was immediately taken to the hospital. According to sources, the jawan was part of the Road Opening Party (ROP). At the same time, a contingent of soldiers had recovered the burnt body of a terrorist killed on September 16.
Army used advanced drone Heron Mark-2 for the first time
On September 16, for the first time in any terrorist operation, the Army had launched its most advanced drone Heron Mark-2 for attack in Kokernag. The drone found the terrorist and threw a grenade at him, killing him. Besides, the security forces also destroyed the hideout of terrorists in Kokernag.
Heron continued working even in heavy rain during the encounter. Apart from this, quad copter drone helped in expelling the terrorists. This drone can fire bullets and grenades simultaneously from five sides. It can be operated from a distance of 15 kilometers.
Bodies of 2 out of three terrorists found in Baramulla
Pir Panjal Brigade Commander PMS Dhillon said- Three terrorists were killed on September 16 in Uri, Hathlanga area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramulla. The operation started at 6 am and ended 8 hours later at 2 pm. Commander Dhillon said – Bodies of two terrorists were found, the body of the third was lying near the border, but due to continuous firing from the Pakistani post, our security forces could not find the body. Pakistani army was helping the terrorists. The army was giving cover to these terrorists.
Ammunition and Pakistani currency also recovered
Two AK-47 rifles, 7 magazines, a Chinese pistol, seven hand grenades, 5 kg IED and other ammunition were recovered from the terrorists who were killed in Baramulla on 16 September. Notes worth Rs 6,000 of Pakistan and notes of Rs 46,000 of India were recovered from his bag. Regarding the Baramulla encounter, Commander Dhillon said – The encounter site is the same area where the security forces had busted a big terrorist hideout in December 2022. Then a cache of weapons was recovered from a cave.
Terrorists’ hideouts revealed in drone footage
The encounter site in Anantnag is being monitored with drones and helicopters. On Saturday, the Army said that terrorists are hiding in caves 12 to 20 feet deep in the dense forests of Kokernag. The terrorists have covered these caves with cement, plastic and wood.
Kashmir ADGP said regarding Anantnag encounter – all terrorists will be killed
Regarding the ongoing encounter in Anantnag, Kashmir’s ADGP Vijay Kumar had said on Saturday that 2-3 terrorists are hiding in the dense forests of Pir Panjal extending up to Rajouri, all of them will be killed.
One of these terrorists is Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Uzair Khan. Army’s Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhaunchak and Jammu and Kashmir Police’s DSP Humayun Bhat were martyred in the attack of these terrorists on Wednesday. A soldier has also been martyred.
Source: dainikbhaskarup.com
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