Aman Zutshi

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, V K Bhirdi on Tuesday (May 7) told media that they have killed TRF’s top commander Basit Dar with another at Redwani Payeen in Kulgam in the terrorist operation. The terrorist was carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lac on his head since 2021.

Speaking to media at the encounter site at Redwani Payeen in Kashmir’s Kulgam, the IGP Kashmir, VK Birdhi said, “Police and security forces got an input regarding the movement of terrorists in this area. After the information, the Jammu and Kashmir police, army and CRPF cordoned off this area. The cordon of the security forces was in progress then suddenly the hiding terrorists opened fire at the security forces. The operation continued whole night and culminated today afternoon”.

“In this operation two terrorists have been killed and their bodies have been retrieved. The search operation is still going on as sometimes there are debris and explosives at the terrorist operation site thus search operation is going on to clear it”, he further said.

“With due diligence we have given them the opportunity to come and surrender. However, the terrorists have not paid any heed to the caution of security forces and ensued firing at the security personnel. In this operation, one terrorist is identified as Basit Dar and he belonged to ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF) A category, and it is a significant achievement for us. He was involved in more than 18 cases in Srinagar city, which includes killing of police personnel and killings of civilians. He was indulged in target killings of civilians also, he was involved in conspiracy and target killings of minorities”, IGP Kashmir added.

When asked about the killing of chemist and philanthropist, Makhan Lal Bindroo by terrorists in 2021 in Srinagar city, he said, “There are details regarding it and I would not like to share it with media as it is matter of investigation. However, we have ample of evidence regarding his involvement in attacking minorities, security forces, and J&K cops. The operation is still going on as we have to clear the debris and we have to remain cautious as there can be explosives at the operation site”, IGP Kashmir said.

The police has said that the identity of the second terrorist is being ascertain.