In a significant development in South Kashmir, security forces eliminated five Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a top commander, during an encounter in the Kadder area of Behibagh, Kulgam.
Two soldiers were injured in the operation which was launched late Wednesday night based on inputs about militant presence.
A joint team comprising the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off the area.
The encounter, which lasted for several hours, resulted in the killing of five militants.
The militants were identified as Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Mushtaq Ahmad Yatoo, Irfan Yaqoob, Adil Hajam, and Yasir Javed. Farooq Ahmad Bhat, the oldest among them, was a senior Hizbul Mujahideen commander who had been active since 2015. Mushtaq Ahmad Yatoo joined the group in 2020.
Brigadier Anirudh Chauhan, Commander of 2 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, said the operation was strategically significant.
“This was a well-planned and coordinated effort that resulted in the killing of these militants, especially Farooq Ahmad Bhat," he said. "Hizbul Mujahideen’s capabilities in Shopian and Kulgam have been severely weakened."
Chauhan said the role of local residents was crucial in the success of the operation.
“The cooperation and information provided by the people of Kulgam were crucial. Such support reflects the collective resolve to restore peace in the region,” he said.
During the encounter, two soldiers sustained injuries and were promptly evacuated to a Srinagar-based hospital, where they are recovering.
Javed Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Inspector General of Police for South Kashmir, said arms, ammunition, and critical documents were recovered from the site.
He said these materials are being analysed as part of an ongoing investigation.
