In the ongoing encounter in Shopian district, security forces successfully neutralised a terrorist linked to the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on Friday (5 January), as reported by India TV.

The joint cordon and search operation, conducted by the police, army (34RR), and CRPF (178Bn) in the Chotigam area of Shopian, led to an exchange of fire as the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately upon the search party.

The slain terrorist has been identified as Bilal Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Chek Cholan, affiliated with LeT.

According to police records, Bhat was implicated in various terror crimes, including the killing of local army personnel Umer Fayaz, grenade attacks on non-local laborers in Hermain resulting in two on-the-spot deaths, and the killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sunil Kumar Bhat, along with injuring another Kashmiri Pandit, Pretimber Nath, both residents of Chotigam Shopian.

Bhat was also involved in instigating local youth to join terrorist ranks and recruiting 12 locals into terrorism.

The recovered materials from the encounter site include an AK series rifle, three magazines, and other incriminating items.

The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to probe their involvement in other terror-related activities.