Top commander among five terrorists killed in twin encounters at southern Kulgam
Slain terrorist commander identified as Afaq Sikandar: IGP Kashmir
Kulgam, November 17, 2021: Five terrorists including a top commander were killed in two separate gunfights at southern district of Kulgam on Wednesday, police said.
Two encounters took place at Pombay and Gopalpora areas of Kulgam district.
A senior police officer told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a joint team of Police, Army’s 09 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of terrorists in the Pombay and Gopalpora villages. “Two villages are located at a distance of just one kilometre,” he said.
The official said that as the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon them, which retaliated, triggering an encounter.
“First contact was established with terrorists in Pombay and later in Gopalpora. In the ensuing encounters, three terrorists were killed in Pombay and two terrorists were killed in Gopalpora,” the official said, adding that all five terrorists are believed to be locals while their identity is being ascertained.
Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that TRF commander Afaq Sikandar is among two terrorists killed in Gopalpora.
“Gopalpora encounter update: Terrorist Commander of proscribed terrorist outfit TRF Afaq Sikander killed in #encounter: IGP Kashmir,” tweeted Kashmir zone police—(KNO)
