2 Hizb ultras held in Pulwama encounter

SRINAGAR: Two terrorists were arrested by security forces during an encounter in south Kashmir’s Lelhar village, and another, who was injured during the gunfight, was shifted to a hospital, officials said on Saturday.

A joint operation was launched by the security forces at Lelhar village in Pulwama district late on Friday night after learning about the presence of terrorists in the area. The operation ended with the arrest of two terrorists, affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen.

A police spokesman said both terrorists surrendered along with two AK 47 rifles before senior security officers.

“One terrorist, who was injured in the encounter, has been shifted to hospital for medical treatment.”

Officials said the injured terrorist was first taken to Pulwama district hospital before he was shifted to Srinagar hospital for advanced treatment.

“During the search operation terrorists fired indiscriminately upon security forces. Security forces retaliated with utmost restraint and provided them an opportunity to surrender. Family members of the terrorists were also brought to the encounter site to persuade them to surrender. Due to efforts and patience of security forces and repeated surrender appeals of their family members, both terrorists surrendered,” the spokesman added.

He said the arrested terrorists have been identified as Akeel Ahmad Lone of Lelhar and Rouf Ahmad son of Wasoora Pulwama.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that security forces showed utmost patience and exhibited professionalism, which resulted in saving the life of two misguided youths. “Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition including one AK-47 and one AK-56 rifles were seized in the operation”, he said.