Top Hizbul commander trapped in Kashmir encounter, terrorist killed in Awantipora

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, May 06, 2020: A joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army’s 55 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Beighpora in Awantipora of Kashmir on Wednesday morning. A top Hizbul Mujahideen commander has been trapped in the encounter while a terrorist has been killed.

According to ANI, a terrorist has been killed in the gunbattle. One AK-56 rifle has been recovered from the terrorist killed in the encounter, said police IndiaToday.

 

A senior police officer has confirmed the exchange of fire between forces and militants. As per the sources 2-3 militants are believed to be trapped inside, including top Hizbul commander Reyaz Naikoo.

Civilians from around 12 to 15 houses have been evacuated.

After a lengthy search operation, a gunfight broke out between militants and security forces in Beighpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has said in the third operation in Beighpora, a top commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen has been trapped inside a building and exchange of fire is on.

As the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot in Awantipora, militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter.

This is the second such encounter in Awantipora in the span of eight hours.

The gunbattle in Awantipora is the third such operation launched on Tuesday night after the forces received specific inputs. Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel have said, “The gunbattle might continue further during the day till we clear the target area. Senior officers monitoring the situation since last night.”