2 Terrorists Linked to Attack on BJP Leader Among 3 Killed

A joint cordon-and-search operation was launched in Ghat Mollah area of Pulwama’s Kakapora late on Thursday night based on intel about Terrorists.

Three terrorists, including two linked to the recent attack on a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Srinagar that resulted in the death of a police constable, were killed during an encounter in Pulwama, as confirmed by police officials on Friday.

According to Kashmir inspector general of police (IGP) Vijay Kumar, the terrorists had taken four to five people hostage which delayed the operation.

The operation, which was a collaborative effort involving a cordon-and-search initiative, took place in the Ghat Mollah area of Kakapora late Thursday night. This action was prompted by intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists in the region.

Kashmir's Inspector General of Police, Vijay Kumar, revealed that the terrorists had taken four to five individuals' hostage, complicating the operation and causing delays. The deceased terrorists were identified as Nissar, Suhail, and Junaid, all of whom had recently joined militant ranks this year.

Nissar and Suhail were implicated in the attack on BJP leader Anwar Khan in Naugam, which occurred just a day prior, alongside two accomplices. All three were reportedly affiliated with the Al-Badr militant group.

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According to police reports, the assault on Thursday was a coordinated effort by members of both the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Al-Badr organizations. "The attack involved militants from both Pulwama and Srinagar, showcasing a joint operation between the two factions," Kumar stated.

During the encounter, authorities recovered the rifle that had been taken from the police officer during the attack, along with an AK-47 and a pistol. This evidence further substantiates the involvement of the slain terrorists in the assault on the BJP leader's residence. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining two suspects involved in the attack.

Additionally, the vehicle used in the Thursday assault was located near the encounter site, belonging to the individual whose home was the scene of the confrontation. This individual, identified as Nawaz Dar, has since been taken into custody.

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The encounter sparked unrest in the area, leading to clashes between civilians and security forces. Reports indicate that a woman was injured in the crossfire, while several others sustained injuries during a subsequent stone-pelting incident, according to sources familiar with the situation.