October 20:`On a specific input regarding presence of terrorists in Hakripora area of Pulwama, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, 50RR and 183BN 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, 03 terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. The identification of the killed terrorists is being ascertained. Further details shall be shared. However as per the reliable sources and technical input they were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT and were involved in attack on CRPF at Pulwama yesterday.

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.

The dead bodies of the killed terrorists shall be sent to Handwara for burial after completion of all medico-legal formalities. In case any family claims the killed terrorists to be their kith or kin, they can come forward for their identification at PCR Kashmir Srinagar.

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.```