2 terrorists killed in continuing Tral encounter
15 Jul 2017
At least two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Satora area of Tral in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. Several more militants could be hiding in the area, according to reports.
The encounter began late at night in an area a few kilometres from the Tral town. State Director General of Police S P Vaid told news agency ANI that the exact outfit involved in the gun battle is not known, and the suspicion is on foreign terrorists, possibly Jaish-e-Mohammed. He said the exchange of fire is continuing and that some of the terrorists may have entered a cave in the area.
The officials have still not removed the bodies of the two terrorists who were killed in the encounter, a police official told PTI.
According to officials, the encounter started after militants opened fire on forces carrying out search operation in Satoora forest area of Tral, 36 km from Srinagar, on information about the presence of militants in the region.
The encounter is presently going on and the bodies of the terrorists were yet to be recovered, a senior official told media.
At least seven or more terrorists, suspected to be linked with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit, are believed to have been hiding in the forest area of Tral and are continuously firing gunshots on the jawans, as per reports citing intelligence agencies.
As per sources, the terrorists were planning major strikes on state highways. Though there has been no official confirmation on, it is reported that Special Task Forces and choppers have been deployed at the encounter scene to nab the hiding terrorists.
The intelligence report further suggested that several suicide bombers are currently reportedly planning to strike the Valley.
News18 quoted one of the army officials saying that "the situation is under control".
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi today. The meeting came just five days after at least seven pilgrims were killed by militants while they were on their way returning from the Amarnath shrine.
On Friday, a terrorist was arrested in the Sambal area of Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. Identified as Shahbaz Mir, he was arrested during an ambush laid by the Special Operation Group (SOG) Sumbal and 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Army at Markundal in Pushwari. A pistol, ammunition, four grenades and a knife were recovered from him.