J K News Today
Srinagar, 28 Sep 2022.
On receipt of specific information regarding presence of terrorists in Avhotu village of Kulgam District, a joint cordon and search operation was launched in the area by Indian Army along with JKP and CRPF at about 03:20 PM on 27 Sep 22.Army established a quick initial cordon around the suspected cluster of houses in the village which was subsequently strengthened by additional troops. On confirmation of presence of terrorists in the suspected house, priority was given for evacuation of civilians from the cordon to a safe location. Thereafter, Army unit attempted to induce surrender of the hiding terrorists by making repeated surrender calls, however to no avail. During the search of the target house, terrorists resorted to indiscriminate firing in an attempt to break the cordon. Own troops retaliated with effective fire, thereby foiling their escape attempt and neutralising one of the terrorists. In the ensuing firefight, one soldier sustained splinter/ricochet injury in foot. The soldier was evacuated to 439 Field Hospital, Awantipura. Meanwhile, due to the indiscriminate fire by the terrorist, the Gas Godown in vicinity of the target house caught fire, leading to multiple explosions. Considering the safety of civilian life, efforts by Army and JKP were pressed in towards dousing the fire by use of water bowsers and foam sprinklers, simultaneously maintaining an impregnable cordon.Later contact was re-established and second terrorist was also neutralised owing to accurate fire of the troops. On search of the encounter site, two AK series rifles, Grenades and other warlike stores were recovered.The JKP has identified the neutralised terrorists as Md Shafi Ganie, resident of Welsbatapura, Kulgam and Mohammad Asif Wani @ Yawar resident of Takiya, Kulgam. Both the terrorists were members of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group.
