Kashmir: Three terrorists neutralised in Pulwama’s Tral

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Tral area of Awantipora in south Kashmir on Thursday. This is the second encounter within three days in Kashmir in which a total of six terrorists, all locals, were killed. The two encounters have reduced the number of active local terrorists in Kashmir to the lowest in 35 years.

Officials claim that the number of local terrorists active in Kashmir has been reduced to single digits, while the foreign terrorists active in the Valley is around 40.

J&K Police is yet to confirm the identities of the terrorists killed in the encounter, but officials said they have been identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani and Yawar Ahmad Bhat, all residents of Pulwama district. Sheikh had joined the terrorist ranks in 2022, while Wani and Bhat joined in 2024.

Police said the encounter started at Nader village of Tral in Awantipora on Thursday morning when police and armed forces started a cordon and search operation in the area. The movement of the terrorists was observed by aerial surveillance through drones, which was later shared on various social media platforms. One of the terrorists also made a brief video call to his family members before getting killed at the encounter spot.

“Three terrorists have been neutralised in the Tral encounter. Identification and affiliation being ascertained. Search operation in progress,” read the official statement.