In a cordon and search operation launched by the security forces at the Safangiri area of in Shopian during the predawn hours on Tuesday, two Hijbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in an encounter. One of the terrorists killed in the encounter, identified as Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, has been reported as an Indian army deserter. The other terrorist has been identified as Amir Hussain alias Abu Sobaan.
According to police, both the terrorist were local residents of Shopian district. “As the search operation was going on, hiding militants fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed and they were identified as Mohd Idrees alias Chota Abrar of Safanagri in Shopian and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan of Awneera in Shopian,” a police spokesperson said.
He added that both were affiliated with militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and involved in terror attacks on security establishments and many other atrocities on civilians in the area. No collateral damage took place during the operation. Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from the site of encounter. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation in the instant matter.
Police have asked villagers not to venture inside the encounter zone as the area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. “People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any,” the spokesperson said.
