Four terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, a Rashtriya Rifles soldier and a counterinsurgency policeman were killed in a fierce gun-battle in Laam-Gotengoo forests of south Kashmir' Tral sub-district on Tuesday.

Sources said that the encounter triggered off early in the morning when security forces cordoned off a patch of forested area in the vicinity of Laam and Gotingo villages, around 55 kilometers from here. Terrorists hiding in the area opened fire on the security forces and in the initial bout of fire one soldier Sepoy Ajay Kumar belonging to 42 Rashtriya rifles was critically injured. He was immediately airlifted to Army’s Base Hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

Sources said that terrorists managed to escape the cordoned area in the first phase but after receiving reinforcements the cordon was extended. This triggered massive exchange of fire that continued for several hours. The exchange of fire led to the death of a policeman identified as Muhammad Lateef Gojjar, who was associated with counterinsurgency wing of state police.

“One more terrorist killed taking the total to 4. Well done boys,” Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid wrote on twitter as the encounter was drawing to close.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range0) Soyam Prakash pani said the slain terrorists seemed to be belonging to Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit.

"During the encounter, incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the spot. The search in the area is going on," a police spokesman said in a statement.

Sources said that two slain terrorists were local cadre while two others were suspected to be Pakistani nationals.

Sources said that paratroopers were summoned to carry out the final assault on fleeing terrorists soon after the army suffered a fatal casualty.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Wednesday, 25 April 2018 | Khursheed Wani | Srinagar