Accident – death – Obituary News :

Terrorist Affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Neutralized in Joint Operation in Shopian District

Srinagar, January 5, 2023 – In a successful joint operation, the local police, along with the Indian Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have eliminated a terrorist associated with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Shopian district of south Kashmir.

The operation was conducted based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of a terrorist in the Chotigam area of Shopian. The Police, Army’s 34 RR, and CRPF 178 Bn launched a coordinated Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) during the early hours to apprehend the individual.

Upon approaching the suspected location, the hiding terrorist opened fire indiscriminately at the search party. The security forces retaliated promptly, resulting in a fierce encounter. The slain terrorist has been identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat from Chek Cholan. Bhat was an active member of the LeT.

According to police records, Bhat was involved in multiple terror-related incidents, including the killing of local Army personnel, Umer Fayaz, in Sudsan, Kulgam. He was also responsible for a grenade attack on non-local labourers in Hermain, which tragically claimed the lives of two labourers.

Furthermore, Bhat was implicated in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sunil Kumar Bhat and the injuring of another Kashmiri Pandit, Pretimber Nath, both residents of Chotigam, Shopian. Additionally, he was found to have played a role in the killing of a local individual, Bal Krishan alias Sonu.

Notably, Bhat actively participated in instigating local youth to join terrorist ranks and successfully recruited 12 individuals. He was also linked to the killing of an arrested terrorist who was leading a search party during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Nowgam in 2022.

A thorough search of the encounter site led to the recovery of incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition. Among the seized items were an AK series rifle and three magazines. The recovered evidence will undergo meticulous investigation to establish any connections to additional terror-related activities.

With a commitment to ensuring justice, the Police have registered a case under the relevant sections of the law and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

The authorities have urged the local population to cooperate until the area is completely sanitized and cleared of any potential explosive materials.

Meanwhile, the Army’s Chinar Corps shared the following update: “Upon receiving specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF during the intervening night of January 4 and January 5 in Chotigam, Shopian. As a result, one terrorist has been neutralized, and the security forces have recovered one AK rifle, two hand grenades, and other war-like stores.”

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