NEW DELHI: Five terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's
Shopian, according to J&K Police.
"Encounter concluded at Badigam, Zainpora in Shopian, 5 bodies of terrorists recovered," said SP Vaid, Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir.
Top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Saddam Padder is also believed to be among the slain terrorists but police officials said it can only be confirmed after ascertaining the identity of the slain terrorists.
A Kashmir University assistant professor, Mohammad Rafi Bhat, who went missing on Friday, is also believed to be among those who were killed.
Bhat was a contractual assistant professor in the Sociology department of the university. A resident of Chundina area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, Bhat it now appears had joined the terrorist ranks.
Following information of his presence along with the other terrorists, the police brought his family from Ganderbal to persuade him to surrender, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, S P Pani.
Protests had rocked the university yesterday over his disappearance, following which the university's vice chancellor met the protesting students and assured them that all efforts would be made to trace the missing professor.
The vice-chancellor had also written to the Director General of Police, requesting him that all efforts be made to trace Bhat's whereabouts.
The encounter broke out after security forces launched cordon and search operation in Badigam village in Zainapora area of the south Kashmir district following specific information about the presence of militants in the area. Two security personnel were also injured in the encounter.
Earlier on Saturday, three terrorists were killed and three security personnel were injured in an encounter that took place in Chattabal area of Srinagar.
(With agencies inputs)
