committed-to-eliminating-terrorism-in-j-k-says-igp-birdi

The Inspector General of Police for the Kashmir Zone said on Friday that six militants were killed in two separate encounters in the south Kashmir districts of Shopian and Pulwama.

 

In a joint press briefing by security forces in Awantipora, the IGP of Kashmir, VK Birdi, said in the past 48 hours, the security forces conducted two very successful operations.

 

“In the wake of heightened terror activities in Kashmir Valley, all the security forces deployed here reviewed their strategies. Following this review, there was an intensified focus on operations. On the basis of this intensified focus and coordination, we conducted two successful operations in the past 48 hours during which we had significant achievements,” the IGP Kashmir said.

 

“These two operations were conducted in the Kelar in Shopian and Tral areas, which resulted in the neutralisation of a total of six terrorists. We are committed to finishing the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley,” the IGP Kashmir said.

 

Major General Dhananjay Joshi, GOC Victor Force, explained the challenges they faced while conducting these operations. He said, “Rescuing” the civilian villagers caused hindrance; however, they managed to finish the operation without success. On May 12, we got information on the possible presence of a terrorist group in the higher reaches in Kelar. On the morning of May 13, on detection of some movement, our parties challenged the terrorists, who retaliated with fire. Our parties neutralised them. “

 

“The second operation in the Tral area was conducted in a border village. As we were laying a cordon at this village, the terrorists positioned themselves in different houses and fired at us. At this time, the challenge we faced was rescuing the civilian villagers. After this, three terrorists were neutralised,” Major General Joshi said.

 

“One of the six militants killed, namely Shahid Kuttay, was involved in two major attacks, including an attack on a German tourist. He also had a hand in funding activities,” he added.

 

The security forces have intensified the counterinsurgency operations in the Kashmir valley following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the death of 26 people, bringing India and Pakistan to the brink of war.