Hizbul Militant apprehended in Handwara
Srinagar, Jun 17: A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora district on Monday, officials said.
The gunfight broke out after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Aragam area of the district on Sunday night following information about the presence of terrorists there, they said.
The army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said one terrorist has been killed. The operation was in progress till last reports, it said.
“Based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of June 16-17 in the general area of Gurihajin, Aragam Bandipora; one terrorist eliminated, operation in progress,” the Chinar Corps posted on X.
The officials said the gunfight broke out after terrorists opened firing on security personnel. The identity of the slain terrorist is yet to be ascertained, they said.
“One body has been spotted at the site of the encounter while searches are on to look for more terrorists in the area,” an official had said earlier.
Meanwhile, Security forces arrested a Hizbul Mujahideen militant in Handwara sub district, police said on Monday. He was in touch with a Pakistan-based handler.
Zakir Hamid Mir, a resident of Kachri, Chougal was arrested in a joint operation of forces which was launched last night.
“Yesterday, we got an input about the presence of a terrorist who was waiting to carry out a terror attack. Following which a joint operation with Army's 30 RR and other security forces agencies was launched. During the operation the terrorist was arrested,” Superintendent of Police, Handwara Dawood Ayoub said.
He added a Chinese pistol, a hand grenade and two magazines of a pistol were recovered from the Hizb's possession.
The SP said Zakir Mir was in touch with the Pakistan-based handler Zahoor Ahmad Mir of Mirtigam Handwara, who is linked with Hizbul Mujahideen.
He said further investigation in the case is continuing.
