Two militants were killed in another encounter at Larnoo area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said. IGP Kashmir said that acting on a specific information about the presence of terrorists in the rugged area of Halkan Gali, Shangus, Larnoo area of Anantnag district, police, army and the CRPF laid a siege in the area. “As the forces inched closer to the terrorists, they opened fire and in the ensuing gunbattle, two terrorists were killed. The operation is underway in the area,” the IGP said, adding that the operation was on in the area.
Addressing a joint presser at Wuzur, Qazigund, headquarters, Commander 2 sector RR Brigadier Anirudh Chouhan said on October 8, Arbaz Mir, one of the slain terrorists had killed riffle man Hilal Ahmed and he along with another one had fled to Kulgam. “We received information about their movement in Halkan Gali, Larnoo after which a joint team of army and Police launched an operation. The movement of terrorists was noticed and they were challenged by the troops. The terrorists fired indiscriminately after which an intense gunfight boke out,” he said, adding that in the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed.
The army officer said that from the slain terrorists one US made M-4 riffle and an AK riffle was recovered besides other arms and ammunition. “Arbaz had crossed over to other side of the LoC and he returned last year,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir Javaid Ahmed Matoo said that two slain terrorists were identified as Zahid Ahmed Reshi of Hassanpora Bijbehara and Arbaz Ahmed Mir of Qaimoh, Kulgam.
“Both the terrorists were involved in a series of attacks including the attacks on non-local labourers,” he said. The DIG said that early this morning, the area of Halkan Gali was cordoned off. “Zahid Rashid was involved in the killing of non-local in April this year and then he joined terrorist ranks. Arbaz has been missing since 2018. Both these terrorists were involved in many crimes,” he said.
Asked whether there were any third terrorists, he said there was input about only two and both were killed. On why of late, Kashmir is witnessing spurt in encounters and attacks, the DIG said that terrorists have received a serious dent since past few years and now they are trying to show their presence. “We are tracking them and will eliminate the remaining ones as well,” he said—(KNO)