October 10:* ```On a specific input regarding presence of terrorists in Dadura area of Pulwama, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 55 RR and 182 BN CRPF in the said area.
During the search operation, as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given opportunity to surrender, however instead they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter.
In the ensuing encounter, 02 terrorists were killed while as the third one was arrested alive. The dead bodies of the 02 killed terrorist have been retrieved from the site of encounter. One of them has been identified as Zahid Nazir Bhat @ Zahid tiger son of Nazir Ahmad Bhat resident of Drubgam Pulwama and the identity of other killed terrorist is being ascertained. However, as per the reliable sources, he is believed to be a Pakistani national. Besides, the terrorist who was arrested alive along with arms and ammunition during the encounter has been identified as Firdous Ahmad Tak son of Abdul Ghani Tak resident of Dhara Posta Doda.
As per police records, the killed terrorists had a history of terror crime records. They were involved in planning & executing several terror attacks including civilian atrocities and attacks on security establishments. Terrorist Zahid Nazir was operational commander of proscribed terror outfit LeT and was active since May 2017.
IGP Kashmir appreciated the police and security forces for exhibiting valour, professionalism by conducting successful operation without any collateral damage, besides saving precious life of one newly joined terrorist during live encounter.
Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes.
Keeping in view the prevailing pandemic due to COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of people from inherent risk of contracting the infection, the dead bodies of the killed terrorists shall be sent to Handwara for burial after completion of all medico-legal formalities. The nearest family members of the killed local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites.
In this connection a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated.
People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any.```