As clashes between security forces and militants are becoming an increasing and recurring event in the state of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir in the period of complete lockdown due to the nation’s diverted attention, there was yet another encounter in the Mehloora Village of Zainapora sub-division of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, 21 April 2020.
“The Encounter”
The encounter broke out after a Cordon Search Operation (CASO) had been launched by a joint forces team which included 55 RR and Zainapora Police. This operation was initiated by the security forces to provide specific inputs and information
regarding the presence and detection of militants in the area.
During the operation, the discovered militants fired at the security officials who further retaliated resulting in a serious encounter and serious damages.
“Sealing of area”
While the area has been cordoned and sealed off and all entries and exits have been shut, intelligence provides that two or three militants are still trapped in the area.
Search parties are still in search of these militants.
“Terrorist activities spike in light of lockdown”
This event has been part of many such incidents occurring over the past month. Militant and terrorist organizations seem to be taking advantage of the lockdown and the shift in focus of the central government and security forces towards the on-going pandemic. A similar encounter took place on 7 April 2020 in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Reports of three CRPF officials being martyred in another such attack also made rounds and was later confirmed by the Superintendent of Police of the region. While security forces are working day and night to ensure that the state is rid of these terrorist elements, the increasing number of attacks are of extreme concern.
