Five Lashkar-e-Toiba Militants Including Yasir Bilal Bhat Killed in Encounter with Security Forces in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Title: Security Forces Neutralize Six Militants Involved in Attacks on Minority Communities in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – In a significant development, security forces successfully eliminated six militants in two separate encounters in the region on Friday. The five militants belonging to the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed during a gunfight in Kulgam, south Kashmir. According to police officials, these militants were actively involved in carrying out attacks on minority community members in the Valley.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police south Kashmir, Rayees Ahmed Bhat, informed that a joint operation was conducted by the police, 34 Rashtriya Rifles, 9 Para, and 18 bn CRPF after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of a group of LeT militants in the village of Samno, located in the Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam district.

“We had received specific information that the militants were hiding in residential houses. As the search operation was launched yesterday evening, the militants opened fire on the search party from their hideout. In response, our troops retaliated, leading to intermittent exchange of gunfire throughout the night,” stated DIG Bhat.

Following an intense gunfight, security forces launched a final assault on the militants in the early morning, resulting in the neutralization of all five militants. Unfortunately, two residential houses where the militants were holed up suffered damage during the operation. The slain militants were identified as Yasir Bilal Bhat, also known as Humais, Danish Hameed Thoker, Ubaid Ahmad Padder, Sameer Farooq Sheikh, and Hanzal Yaqoob Shah, who was also known as Hanzilla. All of them were local residents.

DIG Bhat further revealed that the five militants had strong affiliations with the LeT and were responsible for numerous attacks on minority communities, including Kashmiri Pandits and migrant laborers. Additionally, they were involved in carrying out attacks on security forces in the twin districts of Shopian and Kulgam in south Kashmir.

Considering the successful elimination of the five militants as a significant achievement for the security forces, DIG Bhat stated, “These killings have dealt a severe blow to the terror infrastructure operating in this region. We firmly believe that more successes are on the horizon.”

The security forces’ relentless efforts to maintain peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir have received appreciation from all quarters. With the elimination of these militants, the threat to the safety and security of minority communities and security personnel has been significantly reduced in the region.

As the security apparatus remains vigilant, it is expected that the continued operations against militant groups will further weaken their capabilities and bring about a lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The determination of the security forces to protect the innocent and maintain law and order in the region remains unwavering..