On receiving specific intelligence inputs from sources about the presence of three terrorists in the built-up area of Kargom, Ranipora of Anantnag district, Ladkipura based Rashtriya Rifles along with JKP & CRPF launched a cordon and search operation at 13:00 hrs today.
On seeing the movement of security forces, at 15:50 hrs, the terrorists tried to escape through a nullah. The troops immediately repositioned and readjusted the cordon and asked the terrorists to surrender. However, the terrorists resorted to heavy firing on the Security Forces, and a firefight ensued.
During the exchange of fire, three terrorists, namely Arif Ahmad Hajjam of LeT, Basit Gani of HM and Sohail Ahmad Bhat, were neutralised. Two of the eliminated terrorists belonged to the Anantnag district and the third was from Pulwama.
One AK 47 and two pistols with other warlike stores were recovered from the encounter site.
As per police, Arif Ahmad Hajjam was involved in the brutal killing of Hav Manzoor Beigh of 162 Territorial Army Battalion on June 6th, 2019, while he was on leave.
In a statement issued by Defence Forces, Srinagar.
