Kulgam encounter: An encounter broke out in the Redwani Payeen area of Kulagam district of Jammu and Kashmir late on Monday night after input about the presence of terrorists in the area. Two terrorists were killed in the gunfight. The security forces have cordoned off the entire area. The police and security forces are jointly involved as the operation is underway.
According to the Kashmir Zone Police, the bodies of two terrorists killed in the anti-terrorist operation have been recovered so far. The identity and affiliation of the terrorists are being ascertained.
The Kashmir Zone Police in an X post said, "Encounter has started in Redwani Payeen area of District #Kulgam. Police & Security Forces are on the job. Further details shall follow."
TRF turf commander Basit Dar killed
According to the sources, during the encounters, two terrorists of TRF's top commander Basit Dar, were killed.
Basit was one of the most wanted terrorists, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head. He was considered the mastermind of targeted killings in the Kashmir Valley and was categorized in the A+++ category by the police. Basit often stayed with foreign terrorists and also served as a guide for them.
His elimination is a significant success for the security forces, especially with the Lok Sabha elections approaching in Kashmir.
Terror attack on IAF personnel in Poonch
The latest encounter in Kulgam came days after the terrorists attacked an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in the border district of Poonch which left one soldier dead and four injured.
The terror attack took place around 6:15 pm when the troops were returning to the air force station from Jaranwali. The officials suspect the involvement of the same group of terrorists who ambushed troops in adjoining Bufliaz on December 21 last year, leaving four soldiers dead and three injured.
The border district of Poonch along with adjoining Rajouri has witnessed some major terrorist attacks over the past two years, signalling the return of terror activities to the region, which was once cleared of terrorism and remained peaceful between 2003 and 2021.
