Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in Budgam after encounter with security forces

At least two terrorists were killed on Thursday morning after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation has concluded, according to news agency ANI.

"Two terrorists were eliminated in the encounter. We have been tracking this group for some time, they were here probably to create unrest for upcoming Panchayat elections. We have recovered two-AK 47s and one pistol," said Colonel AK Nair, Commanding Officer, 53 Rashtriya Rifles.

The encounter marks the second one in the state in a span of less than three days. 

According to ANI, Thursday's encounter broke out at Zagoo Arizal area of the district. Initially, it was reported that at least 2-3 terrorists are trapped.

A search operation was launched in the morning jointly by a team of police and security forces based on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

During the search operation, the terrorists, who were hiding, fired on the search party. The police and security forces retaliated leading to an encounter. The identities of the terrorists, who were killed, are yet to be ascertained.

Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, have been recovered from the site of encounter. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation in the matter.

"Citizens are once again requested not to venture inside the encounter zone as it 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 explosives materials if any," said officials.

Earlier on Tuesday, a fierce gun battle took place between the security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The gunbattle erupted after a group of armed terrorists opened fire on a search party in Tral in Pulwama.