New Delhi: An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Srinagar’s Khanyar area on Saturday morning, marking the first major clash in the region in almost three years. The gunfight began after a team of police and security forces conducted a cordon and search operation following specific intelligence inputs. Upon approaching the suspected hideout, terrorists opened fire on the security personnel.
According to reports, this is the first encounter in Srinagar city since April 2022. The last incident occurred in Bishambar Nagar, where two terrorists—identified as Muhammad Bhai (alias Abu Qasim) and Abu Arsalan—were killed. Before that, in January 2022, another encounter in Shalimar’s outskirts resulted in the deaths of two terrorists, including Pakistani national Hafiz and Muhammad Salim Parrey.
Uptick in terror attacks
The current operation is taking place at the residence of Masood Hussain Shah, a contractor. His brother, Afaq Ahmad Shah, was reportedly the first suicide bomber of Kashmir, killed in a 2000 attack attempt on the Army’s 15 Corps headquarters in Srinagar. Initial investigations suggest the house owner has links to Jamaat-e-Islami, although agencies are still determining his direct involvement in recent activities.
Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a surge in terrorist activities in recent months. The incidents include a shooting in Budgam where terrorists targeted two migrant labourers, Usman and Sanjay, from Uttar Pradesh. Both men, employed on the Jal Jeevan Project, were injured after terrorists fired upon them. Last month, seven civilians were killed in Ganderbal in another incident.
Terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Kashmir
An army ambulance in Akhnoor’s Battal area also came under attack by terrorists. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as soldiers managed to repel the attackers. Security forces then launched a search operation in which three terrorists involved in the ambush were killed.
Meanwhile, according to reports, between 150 to 200 terrorists are positioned at launch pads in PoK to infiltrate into Kashmir.
