J&K: Three Pakistani LeT terrorists neutralized in Handwara encounter
What's the story
Three terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba have been killed in an encounter this morning at Magam area in Handwara district of J&K. DGP Shesh Paul Vaid said all three of them were Pakistanis. They are yet to be identified. This month, top terrorists including the nephews of JeM chief Masood Azhar and 26/11 mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi have been neutralized.
Information
The terrorists had opened fire on the security personnel
The joint operation of the army and J&K police started late at night yesterday. Personnel launched a cordon and search after receiving intel about presence of terrorists. The hiding militants opened fire and the security personnel retaliated, killing the three.
Terrorism
A record number of terrorists eliminated in Kashmir this year
Security forces have neutralized several top terrorists in Kashmir in recent times, including LeT's Abu Dujana, Bashir Wani, Abu Ismail and Waseem Shah; Hizbul Mujahideen's Sabzar Bhat and Jaish-e-Mohammed's Abu Khalid. According to DGP Vaid, 170 terrorists have been eliminated this year till October, a record of sorts. Around 70 security personnel have also been killed in militancy-related incidents in 2017.
Surrender
Police urge local youths to surrender and join the mainstream
J&K police have urged local youths involved in terrorism to surrender peacefully and have assured no cases would be filed unless they took part in major incidents. "We are after foreign terrorists," DGP Vaid had said. In the last few days, at least two youths have given up arms, including a footballer from South Kashmir after his mother released a tearful appeal.