Srinagar, November 8 (IANS). An encounter began on Thursday between terrorists hiding in Sopore area of Kashmir and security forces.
Officials said the security forces launched a joint operation after receiving intelligence information about terrorists hiding in Panipora area of Sopore. When the security forces approached the hiding terrorists, they started firing indiscriminately. The security forces retaliated, following which an encounter began. The encounter was going on till the time of writing the news.
It is believed that a group of two-three terrorists are trapped.
Security forces have intensified operations against terrorists in recent days following several attacks by terrorists. In the last 48 hours, two terrorists were killed, one in Lolab area of Kupwara district and the other in Ketsan forests of Bandipora district.
On October 20, terrorists had killed seven people when they attacked a labor camp of an infrastructure project company in Gagangir area of Ganderbal district. After this, on October 24, terrorists attacked an army vehicle in Buta Pathri area of Gulmarg in Baramulla district, killing three soldiers and two civilian porters.
The killing of nine civilians and three army personnel in the two attacks in Gagangir and Gulmarg was widely condemned.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said after both these attacks that those involved in these attacks will have to pay a heavy price. He said that every drop of blood of civilians will be avenged.
Sopore area has been a hotbed of separatist sentiments in the past and terrorists of various organizations have been active here for many years since 1990. The security forces have also continued their relentless action against terrorism.
During the recently held Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the people of Sopore also started a new chapter of returning to the mainstream by voting in large numbers.
– -IANS
AKJ/
