Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 29 (HBTV): Two hybrid terrorists affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) surrendered following a joint operation conducted by security forces in the Baskuchan area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district.

According to the Shopian police, the terrorists—identified as Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam—surrendered on Wednesday. The operation was carried out based on specific intelligence input by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Shopian, 44 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 178 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the duo's possession, including two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, 102 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, two hand grenades, and two pouches.

Police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and further investigation is underway to ascertain their network and past activities.

Earlier, on May 16, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, stated that six terrorists were neutralised during two operations in Keller (Shopian) and Tral. These operations were jointly conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF.

‘In the wake of heightened terror activities in Kashmir Valley, all the security forces deployed here reviewed their strategies. Following this review, there was an intensified focus on operations. On the basis of this intensified focus and coordination, we conducted two successful operations in the last 48 hours during which we had significant achievement. These two operations were conducted in the Kelar in Shopian and Tral areas, which resulted in the neutralisation of a total of six terrorists. We are committed to finish the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley,’ the IGP said.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed, Indian security forces have intensified anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

(ANI)