Terrorist behind murder of Kashmiri Pandit among 2 killed in encounter

Srinagar: Two people, including the terrorist who shot dead a Kashmiri Pandit, were shot dead by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama today, police said.
Terrorist Aqeeb Mushtaq Bhatt was shot dead during an encounter with security forces after a joint operation by the Army and the police in Pathgambora village of Pulwama district, police said.

“Terrorist (Category A) identified as Akib Mushtaq Bhat from Pulwama. He initially worked with HM Terrorist Organization and now with TRF. Killer of late Sanjay Sharma remained neutral,” Jammu and Kashmir Police tweeted. Hizbul Mujahideen and The Resistance Front groups.

#AwantiporaEncounterUpdate: Killed #terrorist identified as Aqib Mustaq Bhat of #Pulwama (A category). He initially worked for HM #terror outfit, nowadays he had been working with TRF. #Killer of late Sanjay Sharma #neutralised: ADGP Kashmir@JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/1EdTeobWYP

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) February 28, 2023

The encounter started at 1:30 am today after the security forces received information that 2 terrorists were hiding in Awantipora of Pulwama district.

Last Sunday, Sanjay Sharma, who was on his way to the market, was seriously injured when militants fired at him. He was taken to a government hospital where he died. He is said to have worked as a security guard in a bank.

Sunday was the first attack on a Hindu citizen in Jammu and Kashmir in four months. Last year, terrorists carried out several targeted attacks on Kashmiri Pandits and non-locals.