4 terrorists linked to attacks on migrants shot dead in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, linked to the recent attacks on migrant workers, were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday, police said.

The encounter comes against the backdrop of an increase in targeted attacks on civilians and security personnel in the region. On Wednesday, terrorists killed a civilian in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

According to the police, the encounter took place at Badigam in Shopian’s Zainapora area after a joint team of security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists.

“During the operation, as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the search party which was retaliated effectively leading to an encounter,” the police spokesperson said. In the exchange of fire, four terrorists were killed, the official added.

The police have identified the terrorists as Aaqib Farooq Thoker, Waseem Ahmed Thoker of Heffkhuri, Zainapora, Farooq Ahmad Bhat and Shoqeen Ahmad Mir of Sugan — all members of the LeT.

Inspector general of police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said that the terrorists were active in Shopian and adjacent areas of Pulwama. “They were involved in six terror crimes, including attacks on outside labourers. Killed terrorist Aaqib Farooq Thoker was involved in snatching of 12 Bore Rifles from JK guard Murran TP branch in which the bank guard Abdul Hamid Wani of Tahab got injured. He was also involved in the attack on driver Deeraj Dutt of Pathankot and cleaners Surinder Singh and Sonu Sharma, both residents of Pathankot at Nowpora and Yadar...,” he said.

Three soldiers heading for gunfight killed in accident

Three army personnel were killed and five others sustained injuries when their vehicle met with an accident on the way to the encounter site in Shopian, an official familiar with the matter said.

“Owing to the wet road conditions, the driver seemingly lost control over the vehicle and it skidded off the road. The injured soldiers were shifted to District Hospital in Shopian, where two were declared dead...,” Army spokesperson said.

Five other injured soldiers were evacuated to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where one succumbed to his injuries. “Four soldiers are being treated,” he said.

AP Police said the slain terrorists were linked to the recent attacks on migrant workers.