Jammu and Kashmir: An encounter has started between terrorists and security forces in Shermal village of South Kashmir. A police officer supervising the operation said that a joint team of police, army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Shermal village after the police received information about the presence of terrorists in the area. “As the joint team was moving towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon the party, which retaliated and an encounter broke out,” the police officer said.
IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar confirmed the firing. “Encounter has started in Shirmal area of Shopian. Police and security forces are at work. Further details will follow,” he tweeted.
According to sources, two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped in a cordon and all entry and exit points have been sealed to ensure that the terrorists do not escape during the night.
As the Amarnath Yatra draws near, the anti-terrorist operation in Kashmir has gained momentum for the past three weeks. Sources say that before the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra, strict instructions have been given by the Ministry of Home Affairs to intensify the anti-terrorist operation before the Yatra begins in a safe environment.
Notably, since January this year, 70 encounters took place in Kashmir and the security forces managed to neutralize 118 terrorists, of whom 33 were Pakistanis. However, 16 security personnel and 19 civilians were also killed.
Meanwhile 46 active terrorists mostly hybrid terrorists have also been arrested alive, and 192 supporters of terrorists have also been arrested in Kashmir this year.