Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Sopore town of Baramulla district in Kashmir early today morning. Three AK-74 rifles were recovered from them.

Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu | Posted by Sadia Akhtar

Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Sopore town of Baramulla district in Kashmir early today morning.

Three AK-74 rifles were recovered from them.

Based on inputs from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, a joint operation was launched by 179 battalion of the CRPF, 52 RR and SOG Sopore in Amargarh at approximately 0100 hours, which is 3 km south of Sopore. Initial contact took place at 0415 hours and three terrorists were neutralised by around 5.20 am.

Two of the 3 slain terrorists have been identified as Javid Ahmad Dar, a resident of Khanpora in Baramullah and Abid Hamid Mir, a native of Hajin in Bandipore. Javid Dar is a C category terrorist, while Hamid Mir belongs to the A category. The third terrorist is yet to be identified.

AK-74 RIFLES RECOVERED FOR THE FIRST TIME

It is for the first time that AK-74 rifles have been recovered. AK-74 is a short gun. This shows that new weapons are being sent into Indian territory by Pakistan.

The entire area in Sopore has been cordoned off by the security forces and combing operations are on.

All government and private schools and colleges in Sopore have been closed for today, said Additional Deputy Commissioner post the encounter. Internet services have also been suspended in Baramulla.

A total of 122 terrorists have been killed this year. Last year till December 31, the count of terrorists killed was 119.