During the search operation, the joint party approached the suspected spot. The hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately upon the search party, which was retaliated effectively, leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of the encounter. The slained terrorist has been identified by Jammu and Kashmir Police as Bilal Ahmed Bhat son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat resident of Chek Cholan who was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT.
As per police records the killed terrorist was involved in several terror crime cases including killing of a local army person namely Umer Fayaz son of Fayaz Ahmad Parray resident of Sudsan Kulgam and had also hurled a grenade upon non-local labours in Hermain, resulting in on spot death of two labours. He was also involved in killing of Kashmiri Pandith namely Sunil Kumar Bhat son of Sri G Bhat & injuring other Kashmiri pandit Pretimber Nath son of Arjun Nath Bhat, both residents of Chotigam, Shopian. He was also involved in an attack on local Bal Krishan @Sonu resident of Chotigam. Moreover, he was involved in instigating local youth for joining terrorist ranks and induced 12 local youth into the ranks of terrorists. Besides other terror crimes, he was also involved in killing of arrested terrorist who was leading the search party during a CASO at Nowgam in the year 2022.
Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition including 01 AK series rifle, 03 magazines were recovered from the encounter site. The operation has once again established the inimical designs of terrorists supported by Pakistan and their efforts to orchestrate incidents and spread terror, with a view to disrupt the hardearned peace. The security forces in complete synergy are committed to defeating such attempts of the enemy with resolute and steadfast commitment.