Jammu & Kashmir: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2020

The Pakistan Army shelled mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 1, reports The Hindu. A defence spokesman said, “Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector in district Poonch around 2100 hours on Wednesday.” Meanwhile, Indian Army retaliated to the shelling that took place on the LoC. Read less...

Three militants were killed on the Line of Control (LoC) at Khari Thrayat in Nowshera sector of Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 1, reports Daily Excelsior. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported about the incident, in which two Army personnel were killed in the encounter that followed during an infiltration attempt by suspected militants while Pakistan army violated the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) on the LoC. The Army said Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Police launched joint operations in entire Nowshera sector to trace and eliminate the militants, who were suspected to be Pakistanis and had infiltrated into this side from the LoC for specific action like targeting defence installations and civilian areas. However, their plan was foiled by the troops who engaged the militants in the gun battle. Further, in past about one week, 13 Pakistan Army personnel have been killed in retaliation by the Indian troops during Pakistani CFA violations on the LoC, Army said. Read less...

Two Army personnel were killed in an exchange of fire with Pakistani infiltrators along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) early on January 1, reports Daily Excelsior.The infiltrators were intercepted in the Khari Thrayat forest when they were trying to enter into India from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), officials said. Jammu-based Indian Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a statement, “Two army soldiers martyred during cordon and search operation in Nowshera sector. The operation is still in progress and further details are awaited.”The search operation was launched following information about the movement of suspected terrorists, the officials added. Read less...

Two leaders of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Rafi Ahmad Mir and Abdul Majeed Paddar were released on January 2, from house arrest after around five months, reports Daily Excelsior. Two more leaders, former legislator Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and former PDP legislator Mohammad Ashraf Mir, who were released from Sub-Jail Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) hostel last month, will be released on January 3 (today) while Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, was detained at her residence on January 2.Mir and Paddar were put under house arrest in August last year (2019) ahead of abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).Government released five politicians – Zahoor Mir, former PDP, MLA, from Pampore, Ghulam Nabi, National Conference (NC) leader from Tral, Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, former NC, MLA, from Ganderbal, Yasir Reshi, former Member of Legislative Council (MLC) and Bashir Mir, PDP leader from Kangan- from MLA hostel sub-jail last week. However, they were kept under house arrest. Read less...

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is plotting the assassination of five persons in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), two Security Forces (SFs) officers, a journalist, a professor and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson, according to the intelligence inputs, reports The Print on January 4. The inputs have been provided to all security agencies by the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), a coordination authority under the Union Home Ministry (UHM) that includes representatives from security and intelligence agencies.The inputs say JeM terrorist Adil Gulzar organised a meeting in Pakharpur in Budgam District of J&K in December, along with an unidentified foreign terrorist. They are said to be targeting a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), a doctor with one of the Paramilitary Forces, a journalist, a professor and a BJP spokesperson.The Print has intentionally omitted the names of these individuals, so as to not add to the security risk. Read less...

On January 3, Pakistan violated Cease Fire Agreement in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch District, reports Daily Excelsior. Mortar shelling and firing targeted forward defence posts and civilian locations. There was no report of casualties from the incident. Read less...

A civilian was injured in a grenade blast in Kawadara area of downtown Srinagar town in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 4, reports Rising Kashmir.Police said suspected militants lobbed a grenade from lane towards the main road in Kawadara area, 50 meters away from the deployment Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), of the old city at around 12 noon.In the blast, a civilian, whose identity is yet to be established, was injured while two private vehicles were damaged.After the explosion, forces launched a massive hunt to arrest the attackers. However, no arrests were made, neither any outfit has claimed responsibility for the blast. Read less...

A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was arrested from a hospital in Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 4, reports NDTV. The militant identified as Nisar Ahmad Dar, a resident of the Hajin area of Bandipore District, was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) from Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in the city. Dar, wanted in many terror crimes, had escaped from an encounter in Kullan Ganderbal in which one LeT militant was killed. Read less...

A parcel Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found by the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the gate of BSF’s 173 Battalion Headquarters at Panj Tila area of Samba town in Samba District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 5, reports Daily Excelsior. Addressed to the Commandant, the parcel had been filled with 100 grams explosive, reports said, adding that a terror plot to assassinate the BSF Commandant has been foiled with timely detection of the explosive material in the parcel. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) launched massive searches against two local militants, identified as Omar Lone and Gulzar Ahmad, after inputs arrived about their presence in Magraypora Pattan area of Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 5, reports Daily Excelsior. The 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Army, Special Operation Groups (SOG) Pattan and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) conducted searches in Magraypora Pattan. Sources said that these boys had joined militants and are back in their area. The troops conducted house to house searches of the village, however, no one was arrested. Read less...

The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) is all set to get Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and more Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)cameras for enhanced surveillance system,reports Daily Excelsior on January 6.More than one hundred UAVs or Drones of different specification and thousands of CCTV cameras worth INR 1.16 billion are being purchased soon while process is also on for hiring helicopter on lease.Official sources said more than 100 UAVs of different specification will be purchased and placed at the disposal of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) level across Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for dealing in law and order as well as anti-militancy operations.Pertinent to mention that the JKP so far used to seek assistance from Army units for using Drones. The Army has been using UAVs for a few years in different parts of the Valley and on the Line of Control (LoC) to track the militant movements in forest areas. The Army has also used small UAVs during encounters in different parts of J&K, especially in South Kashmir. Read less...

SFs, on January 6, launched search operations in dense forest belt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)after some civilians sounded Police and Army that they had observed movement of suspicious persons in the area, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs immediately combed Dabud area in Nowshera sector and subsequently extended search operations to Khodi, Darath, Moghaldaye and Potha.However, no contact has been established with the militants, Police said. Read less...

A local militant identified as Shahid, a resident of Bijbehara area of Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), was killed in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) in Awantipora area in Pulwama District on January 7 (today), reports Hindustan Times. The SFs launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Churswoo village of Awantipora in the early hours of on January 7 following information about the presence of the militant there, Police said.He was asked to surrender by the SFs but he chose to engage them in a gun battle, they said, adding that the militant was killed after a brief exchange of fire. Read less...

Samba Police arrested a suspect following specific inputs about his pro-militant activities in Kaluchak area in Samba District on January 7, reports Daily Excelsior. Confirming the arrest, Police said the suspect was being quizzed to ascertain his links with the militants. The identity of the suspect is yet to be ascertained. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) detected and defused two powerful Improvised IEDs near the Line of Control (LoC) at Jhanghar between Nowshera and Keri in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 7, reports Daily Excelsior.Reports said the IEDs were recovered by the alert troops during patrolling on the LoC. They called the Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) which later successfully defused the IEDs. Read less...

Two civilians were injured after unidentified militants lobbed a grenade at Security Forces (SFs) at Habak Chowk in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 8, reports Daily Excelsior. The grenade missed the intended target on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and exploded on the roadside in Zakura area, resulting in injuries to the two civilians, whose identities are yet to be established. Later, the SFs cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to arrest the assailants. Read less...

Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh, reviewed the law and order situation during his visit to the twin Police Districts in Kulgam and Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 9, and directed officers to augment the security grids in the Valley, reports Daily Excelsior. Singh also called for increasing people’s participation through interaction with the civil society at different levels. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) combed the dense forest belt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for the ninth consecutive day on January 9, in search of infiltrators who sneaked into the Indian territory from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), reports Daily Excelsior.The forces combed Khari area in Naushera sector during which they located a natural cave and fired a few Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL)grenades in it, the officials said.The search operation was launched last week after two soldiers were killed in a gun battle with heavily-armed Pakistani infiltrators in the Khari Thrayat forest. Read less...

Two Army porters were killed, one of them beheaded, while three others were seriously injured during violation Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) by Pakistan near the Line of Control (LoC) at Kasalian village in Gulpur sector in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 10, reports Daily Excelsior.Pakistan army fired three to four mortar shells targeting five porters who were carrying logistics for the troops in forward area close to the fencing on the LoC at Kasalian in the morning. Simultaneously, the members of Border Action Team (BAT) of Pakistan were reported to have intruded into the Indian territory and beheaded one of the seriously injured porter.They took the head with them before returning to Pakistan.Another injured porter later succumbed to injuries sustained in mortar shelling taking death toll to two.The slain porters have been identified as Mohammad Aslam (28), and Altaf Hussain (23), both residents of Kasalian in Gulpur. Injured were identified as Mohammad Saleem (24), Mohammad Showket (28), and Nawaz Ahmed (35), all residents of Kasalian.Indian Army immediately retaliated Pakistan shelling and firing and was reported to have inflicted heavy damages on Pakistan side. However, exact details of the damages suffered by Pakistan couldn’t be ascertained immediately. Read less...

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) has been detained along with two militants in a major counter-terror operation on the National Highway in Kulgam District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 11, reports Daily Excelsior. During vehicle check DSP, Devinder Singh, was detained along with Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu alias Babar Azam, a resident of Nazneenpora in Shopian District and his associate Asif Ahmad. The residence of the detained officer was immediately raided in Srinagar, during which one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and two grenades were recovered from his residence. Naveed was a Police deserter and had joined the ranks of militants in 2017. He decamped with four assault rifles from Budgam District. Naveed shot into limelight after the Centre Government scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s special Constitutional provisions and Statehood in August last year. Soon after, Police said that Naved issued a diktat to apple orchardists in South Kashmir not to sell their produce. According to Police, Naveed was involved in the killings of at least 11 non-Kashmiri workers, including truck drivers and labourers, in Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian Districts of J&K. Before joining the ranks of militants, Naveed was working as Special Police Officer (SPO) with JKP. Read less...

A lawyer identified as Irfan, who was working as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) for terror outfits, was also arrested along with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Davinder Singh and two militants of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) in Kulgam area in Kulgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 11, reports India Today. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported the incident of arrest on January 11. Reportedly, an i-10 car was intercepted in Kulgam area and in the car was Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP) officer Davinder Singh with two top HM militants. As the car approached the checkpoint, the vehicle was stopped and the four were arrested. Read less...

Pakistan army resorted to very heavy mortar shelling and firing violating the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) targeting the civilians in forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 11, reports Daily Excelsior. Reports said Pakistan targeted forward villages of Digwar, Kalsian, Gulpur, Malti and surroundings in Poonch sector with long range mortar shells and automatic weapons. The Indian side retaliated very effectively to silence the Pakistani guns, leading to heavy exchanges of fire that continued till midnight. However, there were no reports of any casualties or damage on the Indian side. Casualties, if any, on Pakistan side couldn’t be ascertained. Read less...

Activities in ‘suspected homes’ have been picked up of Army's surveillance and also human intelligence, reports India Today on January 13. The Indian Army has suspected that some civilian homes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are being used as terror launch pads. Additional deployment of Special Service Group(SSG) commandos of Pakistan has been made around civilian homes in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to assist shallow raids backed by heavy calibre escalation. The Indian Army has been monitoring activities and movements in these ‘suspected houses’ that have increased recently. As the higher reaches of J&K are covered under snow the focus has shifted to the south of Peerpanjal range. Areas like Nowshera, Sunderbani, Krishna Ghati, Bhimber Gali and Poonch have remained tense with frequent shelling and skirmishes."There are many civilian houses being used as launch pad. We are aware of these and have identified them. These are used by Pakistan to assist infiltrations. Villages in PoK hugging the LoC (Line of Control) are used by Pakistan as defence works," Lt Gen Harsha Gupta, General Officer commanding the Nagrota based 16 Corp of the Indian Army said. Read less...

Three Hizb-ul-Mujaihdeen (HM) militants, including a ‘commander’ were killed in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tral area of Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on January 12, reports Daily Excelsior. The slain militants were identified ‘commander’ Umer Fayaz Lone alias Hamad Khan, resident of Seer Tral; and his two associates - Faizan Hamid, resident of Mandoora Tral; and Adil Bashir Mir alias Abu Dujana, resident of Monghama Tral. Police said that incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. Read less...

A local militant was killed in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) in Budgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 13, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Chadoora area following information about the presence of militants there, Police said. A gunfight broke out after the lone militant opened fire on the SFs who retaliated, resulting in the killing of the militant, who was identified as Adil Ahmed, a resident of Budgam. The Print adds that a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant, identified as Adil Gulzar, who was allegedly plotting the assassination of five Kashmiris — two SF officers, a journalist, a professor and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson - was killed in an encounter in Brahmpora village in Budgam District. Read less...

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration on January 14 allowed mobile Internet in parts of Jammu region and broadband in hotels, travel establishments and hospitals but only on white-listed websites, reports Daily Excelsior. In a three-page order, the Home Department said additional 400 internet kiosks will be established in Kashmir division. Internet service providers will offer broadband facility (with Mac binding) to all institutions dealing with essential services, hospitals, banks as also Government offices, official said. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) killed one Hizbul Mujaheedin (HM) terrorist in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 15, reports Daily Excelsior.Acting on tip off, Police and troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) laid a cordon in Gunadana area of Doda in the morning and in the following encounter the militant was killed.“The HM district Commander Haroon Hamad was trapped and killed in the combat operation,” Defence sources said. Read less...

Terror outfits are using encrypted mobile communications and Voice on Internet Protocol (VoIP) to plan infiltrations into India and reactivate their cadre in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Government said on January 15, reports Daily Excelsior. This is a well-established fact, Government spokesman Rohit Kansal said. “Sustained efforts are being made by terrorists to infiltrate from across the border, reactivate their cadre and scale up anti-national activities not only in the Kashmir division but also in some areas of the Jammu division by using Voice on Internet Protocol and encrypted mobile communications, and through various social media applications to coordinate and plan terrorist activities,” he said. Read less...

The security agencies, including the state police, were trying to find out more about the financial network of the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir from the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) militants arrested recently, reports India Today. "The militants were extracting money from the locals which was being used for anti-national activities. The arrested senior cop [Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh] was given Rs 12 lakh [INR .12 million] for escorting the terrorists from the Valley to Chandigarh. From where this money came is the thing to be investigated," an unnamed source said. "We are looking into the nexus minutely. As far as the investigation of this case is concerned first it will be focused on the present case only but other aspects can also be investigated if any link is established at any stage. We had launched five operations on the basis of the inputs given by Naveed Babu but no arrests have been made thereafter. We have destroyed a couple of hideouts but did not find any terrorist," Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir Dilbag Singh said on January 15. As reported earlier, two HM militants along with DSP Singh and an over ground worker of HM were arrested on January 11 from Kulgam. Read less...

Authorities released nine more political leaders from detentionfrom MLA hostel sub jail on January 16, as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has remained normal for last five months following clampdown after August 5, 2019, reports Daily Excelsior. Five detainees including People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Nizamudin Bhat, Showket Ganie, Altaf Ahmed Kaloo, National Conference (NC) and Salman Sagar of NC, Mukhtar Bandh, son of former PDP leader Muhammad Khalil Bandh, were released from MLA hostel sub jail.Authorities also said that they released former Minister and PDP leader Abdul Haq Khan, Congress leader Haji Abdul Rashid, NC leader Nazir Ahmed Gurezi and Peoples Conference leader Muhamamd Abass Wani from house arrest. However, Haji Rashid, Gurezi and Wani were moving freely but were under house arrest in official records.However, 20 political leaders are still under detention in MLAs hostel. Last month, eight political leaders were released from MLAs hotel Sub-jail. Read less...

District Police busted a module of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and arrested five of its operativesin Srinagar in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 16, reports Daily Excelsior.The Srinagar Police also recovered huge quantity of explosives from the operatives. Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), VK Birdi addressing a news conference said, five persons involved in grenade attacks were arrested and they were planning further attacks ahead of Republic day.He added that after two grenade lobbying incidents on November 26, 2019 and January 8, 2020 in Hazratbal area, an investigation was started by the Police which initially led to the identification of two of them. “They came on a two-wheeler and lobbed a grenade. Their intention was to disturb the normal life,” he said. IGP, Birdi also informed that searches and raids were conducted at various places and on the revelations of the operatives, and explosives, detonators, body waists, sharpenels, ball rings and bearings were also recovered. “From the recovery, it seems they were planning big attacks including (Improvised Explosive Devices) IEDs,” he added. Read less...

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on January 20 endorsed the views of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on setting up de-radicalisation camps in Kashmir Valley in J&K in India, reports The Print. The DGP said it would be a “good sign”, and that moves to de-radicalise youth should be welcomed. “For some time, Pakistan and its agencies (have been) trying to spread radicalisation in this area. Some of our youth have got affected. If any such facility comes up in Kashmir, it would be a good sign,” Singh said at a press conference in Srinagar, on being asked about the CDS’ views. CDS General Rawat on January 16 spoke about setting up of de-radicalisation camps in Kashmir. “In Kashmir, we saw radicalisation happening. Today, we are seeing radicalisation happening even among young people. Girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 are now being radicalised. These people can still be isolated from radicalisation in a gradual way,” Rawat said. “But there are people who have been completely radicalised. These people need to be taken out separately. Possibly taken into some de-radicalisation camps. We have got de-radicalisations camps running in our country. Let me tell you that even Pakistan is doing the same,” he had said. Read less...

Militants in the evening of January 20 hurled a grenade targeting the Security Forces (SFs) at Newa in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir in India, reports Daily Excelsior. However, no one was injured in the attack. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) on January 20 killed three militants of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), including a ‘commander’, in the Wachi area of Shopian (Shopian District) of Jammu and Kashmir in India, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs after inputs about presence of a group of militants cordoned off the area. During the cordon, militants fired on troops leading to a gun battle in which three militants were killed. They were identified as Wasim Ahmad Wani, ‘district commander’ of HM, of Uripora Nagbal, Shopian; Adil Ahmad Shiekh of Zainapora, Shopian; and Hidayatullah Malik of Sharadpora, Shopian. Adil Sheikh was a Special Police Officer (SPO), who stole seven rifles and one pistol from the house of then legislator Aijaz Ahmad Mir’s official residence in Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar on September 29, 2018, to join HM. Read less...

The Security Forces on January 20 conducted search operations at multiple places in Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The operations were launched at Khanpora Baramulla, General Bus Stand, Subzi Market, Main Chowk Baramulla and Tawheed Gunj Baramulla. Read less...

One militant of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was killed in the exchange of fire that took place in Khrew area in Pampore town in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 21, taking the death toll to three on January 22, reports Daily Excelsior on January 23.The exchange of fire started on January 21 after Security Forces (SFs) including 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Army and Awantipora Police raided a militant hideout in Zantrag forest area of Khrew where militants were hiding. As the SFs zeroed-in on the hideout in the forest village, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately on the troops resulting in the death of two SF personnel, who succumbed to their injuries. During the exchange of fire, the next day, the troops found the militants in the forest area in the afternoon and challenged them leading to an encounter in which one militant was killed. The identity of the militant is yet to be ascertained. The searches of the area were conducted and his body and arms and ammunition were recovered. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported two SF personnel were killed during an encounter with militants in Khrew area in Pampore town in Pulwama District of J&K on January 21. Read less...

The dead body of a militant, identified as Rayees Ahmad Dar, was recovered from Awantipora area in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on February 6, reports Daily Excelsior. Dar, was earlier injured in the encounter on January 21 that took place at Zantrag forest in Awantipora in which two Security Force (SF) personnel and one Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant were killed, and Dar, had escaped from the custody in injured condition. With the recovery, the death toll in encounter at Pulwama in J&K rises to four. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported the encounter with the militants in Khrew area in Pampore town in Pulwama District of J&K on January 21. Read less...

Two Security Force (SF) personnel were killed during an encounter with militants in Khrew area in Pampore town in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 21, reports Daily Excelsior. Acting on a tipoff, SFs including 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Army and Awantipora Police raided a militant hideout in Zantrag forest area in Khrew where militants were believed to be hiding. As the SFs zeroed-in on the hideout in the forest village, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately on the troops resulting in fatal injuries to an Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel, identified as Rifleman Rahul of 50 RR and SOG personnel Shahbaz Ahmad of Manjakote in Rajouri, who later succumbed to their injuries. Militants fled from the spot after the initial encounter and SFs conducted searches of the forest villages but could not trace them. Read less...

Pakistan army violated CeaseFire Agreement (CFA) targeting forward posts and civilian areas on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 23, reports Daily Excelsior. Pakistan army resorted to mortar shelling and firing at Digwar, Malti, Bigial Dara and Khari Karmara forward areas in the District. The Indian Army retaliated effectively, leading to heavy exchanges that continued for about two hours. However, there were no casualties or damage on the Indian side. Read less...

Two Security Force (SF) personnel sustained injuries when Militants hurled a grenade on a Police post in Noorbagh area of Srinagar town in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 24, reports Daily Excelsior. The injured SF personnel were identified as Hariharan, a jawan(trooper) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sartaj Ahmad, a Constable of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP). Two parked vehicles were also damaged in the grenade attack. Read less...

Pakistani troops violating the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) again fired mortar shells on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 24, reports Daily Excelsior. Heavy firing from across the border was reported from Digwar sector in the District, according to the reports. Indian troops gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani guns. However, there were no reports of any casualties or damage on the Indian side. Pakistani troops had also targeted forward posts and villages in Gulpur and Karmara belts along the LoC in Poonch on January 23, in which a school building had sustained minor damage, and the incident was earlier reported by South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) on January 23. Read less...

Bandipora Police arrested seven Over Ground Workers (OGW’s) of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM)militant outfits in Bandipora District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 25, reports Daily Excelsior.Police said that during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) by joint team of Army’s 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Bandipora Police at different areas of Bandipora like SK Bala, Hajin, Chanpora Nadihal and Sumlar areas, seven Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were arrested.He said that 2 pistols, 2 UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher), 6 UBGL Magazines, 10 AK 47 Magazines, 512 AK 47 rounds and 2 bore sets were recovered from their procession. Read less...

Pakistan is trying to revive terrorism in Chenab valley, Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh said on January 25, stressing upon his men to make strenuous efforts to make the region militancy-free once again, reports Daily Excelsior.“This (Chenab valley) region was once a hot-bed of terrorism before it was completely cleared some time back but over time due to the continuous efforts by Pakistan agencies, some nine terrorists became active in the twin districts of Kishtwar and Doda,” Singh told reporters during his visit to Doda district on the eve of Republic Day.He said Pakistan is trying to revive terrorism in Chenab valley but the joint efforts of Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the terrorist networks have been smashed and Over Ground Workers (OGW’s) and their support systems have also been busted. Read less...

The ‘chief commander’ of Jaish-e-Mohamamd (JeM), along with his two associates were killed in an exchange of fire with the Security Force (SF) personnel at Hariparigam village of Tral in Awantipora area in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 25, reports Daily Excelsior. The slain militants were identified as Qari Yasir,JeM ‘chief commander’, and his two associates, Moosa alias Abu Usman and Burhanudin Sheikh. 15 Corps Commander General KJS Dhillon said that for the last four to five days, a Jaish [JeM] module mostly foreigners, was active and was planning to do something sensational on the eve of Republic day 2020. “This module includes one militant identified as Saifullah, who was killed in Khrew area of Pulwama recently,” he said.Dhillon said that in today’s (January 25) operation, three security forces personnel were also injured and are undergoing treatment at Army base hospital. “I want to tell this that a major incident on January 26 has been averted. Today’s operation was based on hard and actual intelligence,” he added.KJS Dhillon also said, the Army has wiped out the Pakistan-based terrorist group JeM's leadership in J&K. Groups like the LeT and al-Badr have been completely decimated, and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) only has one ‘commander’ Riyaz Kaikoo left, he said, adds India Today. Read less...

Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu, in his address to Republic Day Parade at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu District on January 26, said that militancy related incidents have come down in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) valley but called upon Security Force (SF) personnel to stay alert and keep vigil on all such elements who want to spread violence in the Union Territory, reports Daily Excelsior. Murmu said militancy was down in the Valley and lauded role of security forces in keeping it under check and maintaining peace and normalcy.“Militancy is going down. Still, there was a need for security forces to keep strict vigil and always remain alert for maintenance of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and expressed confidence that the Union Territory would see the complete peace. Read less...

Pakistan army violated the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) resorting to heavy mortar shelling and firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Degwar Sector in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 26, reports All India Radio. Army sources said that Pakistani Army opened unprovoked fire on civilian areas and Indian forward posts to which Indian Army retaliated befittingly with equal calibre. There were no reports of any casualty in the firing on the Indian side, however, the broadcaster All India Radio said a few houses in the village suffered damage because of the Pakistani shelling. Read less...

A militant of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) was killed in an encounter with SFs in Kulgam District of J&K on January 27, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs cordoned off Makroo Mohalla in South Kashmir’s Kulgam District after they received an input about presence of militants in the village. As the SFs cordoned off the village, the locals pelted stones on the SFs to prevent them for conducting the operation. SFs fired USED teargas to disperse them. The militant hiding in a house, fired on the SFs injuring an army personnel, Sharifudin. The SFs fired at him in retaliation, killing him outside the house. The militant was identified as Shahid Ahmad Thokar, who had joined militancy recently (date not specified). One pistol and a grenade have been recovered from the site of encounter. A Police spokesman said, “Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. All these materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe his complicity in other terror crimes”. Read less...

A militant was killed in an exchange of fire with Security Forces (SFs) after the militants opened fire on a patrol team in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 27, reports Daily Excelsior. One soldier was also injured in the encounter after he was hit by a bullet fired by some militants in the Arwani area of Anantnag district, Police said. The identity of the slain militant is yet to be ascertained. Read less...

One Over Ground Worker (OGW) Sajid Farooq Dar, resident of Hajin Bandipora area in North Kashmir, was arrested by the SFs including 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Army, Special Operation Group (SOG) Pattan and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in Bandipora District of J&K on January 27, reports Daily Excelsior. A grenade was recovered from his possession. Read less...

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a Pakistani drone along the International Border (IB) in Arnia sector in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 27, reports Daily Excelsior. The drone was shot down in a forward post in Arnia belt, sources said. “It was a drone-like flying object without a camera. We are investigating it,” sources added. Read less...

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has changed its tactics and bettered its security drills after the Pulwama terror attack (February 14, 2019), CRPF Director General (DG) A P Maheshwari said on January 28, reports Daily Excelsior. Maheshwari stated, “We are a fighting force. We have bettered our security drills, we have bettered our capability for training, we have bettered in terms of equipment, tactics, mobility and navigation.” He said Security Forces (SFs) like the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and others are working in an “integrated” manner in the Kashmir valley to hit at the financial, infrastructure and other roots of terrorist elements. “After the experience of this (Pulwama attack) incident, we have changed our tactics and have changed our capabilities in terms of equipment, training and strategy and consciousness… We have bettered and we will keep doing that,” Maheshwari added. The CRPF has deployed close to 70,000 personnel in Kashmir valley for counter-terrorist and law and order duties. Read less...

A 51-MM live mortar shell was found near the International Border (IB) in Samba District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)on January 29, reports Daily Excelsior. Some villagers noticed the mortar shell on the banks of Bai Nallah in the Ghagwal area near the IB and informed the Police, after which a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) immediately rushed to the place and defused the live mortar shell. Read less...

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked CeaseFire Agreement (CFA) violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)on January 29, reports ANI. The Indian Army retaliated effectively, however, there were no casualties, injuries or loss of property during the CFA violation. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) after inputs about presence of militants in a village in Lolab area in Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 29, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs including 28 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kupwara Police launched operation in Lalpora village of Lolab after inputs about presence of two militants hiding in the village. The operation was put on hold and SFs believed that they have trapped two militants in the village. However, no further details available at the reporting. Read less...

A Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) militant was arrested with arms and ammunition by a joint team of army 47 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Kupwara Police in Kupwara District of J&K, reports Daily Excelsior. Addressing a news conference at Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) Kupwara, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kupwara, Shriram Abbarkar,said, Security Forces (SFs) acting on specific inputs about the presence of a militant Fayaz Ahamd Mir of Mir Mohalla Bumhama, cordoned it off and launched an operation and arrested him. “During the searches, an AK-47 along with a magazine and 25 live rounds were recovered from his possession,” the SSP said, adding that the militant was arrested. The arrested militant was wanted in several cases of arms and ammunition trade for many months. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported about the incident stating that the SFs launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) after inputs about presence of militants in Lalpora village in Lolab area in Kupwara District of J&K on January 29. Read less...

Pakistani troops shelled forward posts and villages violating the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 30, reports Daily Excelsior. A defence spokesperson said, the unprovoked small arms firing and mortar shelling in Degwar sector started around 1330 hours, prompting befitting retaliation by the Indian Army.Officials said mortar shells fired by Pakistan overnight hit other Poonch sectors also. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported that on January 29 Pakistan had resorted to unprovoked violation of CFA in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch District. Other details of the CFA violation on January 30 are yet to be ascertained at the time of writing. Read less...

A group of militants opened fire at a Police team near Ban Toll Plaza on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH) in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) early on January 31 (today), triggering a gunfight in which three militants were killed and a Policeman sustained injuries, reports Daily Excelsior. The firing took place around 5 am when a Police team stopped a Srinagar-bound truck for checking near the Toll Plaza in Ban area of Nagrota. Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbagh Singh said 3-4 terrorists were going to Srinagar when they were intercepted by the Police team at the toll plaza. Three militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight while one of them is believed to be in the trap, he said.The truck driver Mohamamd Mabool was arrested and has been taken into custody for questioning, adds The Indian Express. Four weapons and some ammunition and explosives have also been recovered from the spot. The DGP said the terrorists were part of a freshly infiltrated group, who have entered this side from the International Border (IB) in Hiranagar in Kathua District and were on their way to Kashmir Valley. The identity of the slain militants and their group affiliation are yet to be ascertained. Read less...

Pakistani troops resorted to shelling with mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in two sectors of Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 31, reports Daily Excelsior. A defence spokesperson said, “Today, at about 1645 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars along LoC in Shahpur and Kirni sectors in district Poonch.” The official added that the Indian Army mounted a befitting retaliation. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) arrested two more Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) after the encounter at Ban Toll Plaza near Nagrota on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH) in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 31, reports Daily Excelsior. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and Police after the exchange of fire with the militants arrested Sartaj Ahmed Mantu and Asif Ahmad Malik, all residents of Kakapora in Pulwama. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported the incident on January 31, in which it was reported that three unidentified militants were killed and a Policeman sustained injury. Also, the truck driver identified as Mohamamd Mabool was arrested and has been taken into custody for questioning. However, Daily Excelsior, reports that the three Pakistani militants are believed to be Fidayeens (Suicide Squad) of JeM outfit, and their identity are yet to be established but they were believed to be Pakistanis. Sameer Ahmad Dar, who was driving the truck, earlier identified as Mohamamd Mabool, was the cousin of February 14 Pulwama attack mastermind Adil Dar, who killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel last year (2019). Sameer’s real brother, Manzoor Malik, a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, was killed in South Kashmir in 2016.“Infiltration attempts were reported from the International Border [IB] in 2018 and they have resumed now. In 2019, it was alright,” Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said, adding that injured Policeman Bhom Raj displayed courage and chased the militants. In the process, mobile telephone of one of the militants fell down, which has been seized by the Police. Slain militants were in possession of M4 Carbine, a deadly weapon and is used only by top ‘commanders’ of the militant outfits. Apart from this, the militants were also carrying high end satellite communication phones, wireless sets and Global Positioning Systems. Read less...