Terrorist Killed, Army Jawan Martyred In Pulwama Encounter, Operation Underway

Srinagar: Security forces on Tuesday gunned down a Pakistan-backed terrorist in an encounter that broke out in the Padgampura area in South Kashmir`s Pulwama district in the wee hours on Tuesday. One of the two Army soldiers, who were also injured during the encounter, succumbed to his injuries while another is said to be critical at the moment. He is being treated in ICU at 92 Base Army Hospital, said sources.

Both soldiers had sustained serious injuries during the Awantipora encounter. While one terrorist has been killed, 1-2 terrorists are still believed to be hiding in the area.

The firefight started after a joint team of police and security forces got input about the presence of terrorists in that area.

J&K| One terrorist killed in Awantipora encounter. Body of the terrorist yet to be recovered. Encounter underway: Kashmir Zone Police

— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2023

After security forces cordoned off the area, terrorists hiding there started firing drawing retaliation from the security forces. The slain terrorist has now been identified as Aqib Mushtaq Bhat, a resident of Pulwama. He was an A-category terrorist wanted by the security forces. Bhat initially worked for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terror outfit. However, he had recently joined hands with TRF.

Sharing more information, the ADGP Kashmir said that the killer of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma has been neutralised. There have been a series of encounters between terrorists and security forces across Kashmir in the recent past in which many terrorists have been eliminated.

A massive search & cordon operation is still underway in the area, said sources.