May 16: On a credible input, a cordon & search operation was launched today by police and security forces at Handew area in District Shopian.

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party. In the initial exchange of fire one army jawan identified as Sepoy Rohit also sustained injuries. He has been hospitalized and is undergoing treatment. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter.

In the ensuing encounter, 03 terrorists were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. The identities and affiliations of the killed terrorists is being ascertained.

Incriminating material including arms & ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials.

People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any.