Three Pakistani terrorists and a policeman were killed in a "chance encounter" between security forces and ultras in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday.
Police said the encounter took place at one of the 'nakas' (checkpoints) laid by the security forces across the valley on the day when Patiala court in Delhi was to announce the quantum of punishment for convicted Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik.
“There were nakas across Kashmir on Wednesday. At one such naka at Najibhat crossing in the Kreeri area, there was a chance encounter. Three Pakistani JeM terrorists were killed,” Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar told reporters.
A police man identified as Mudasir Ahmad also lost his life during the encounter.
“The three terrorists could have come to Srinagar and planned an attack,” he said, adding that the terrorists were active in the hilly areas of Gulmarg for the last three to four months and the police was regularly tracking them.
While south Kashmir sees frequent encounters between militants and security forces, gun battles are rare in north Kashmir where mostly Pakistani militants are present. Police sources say that the foreign militants usually take shelter in the dense forest areas to avoid the security radar.
Nearly 90 militants, including 22 Pakistanis, have been killed in various encounters with security forces in Kashmir Valley. However, sources said, from January 1 to April 30 this year, nearly 55 locals have joined militant ranks which is a worrisome trend.
Published 25 May 2022, 06:07 IST