Srinagar, 28 Apr 2022. Based on specific input generated by JKP regarding the likely presence of unidentified terrorists in the general area of village Mitrigom, Pulwama, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the Indian Army and JKP in the area at 3:00 PM on 27 Apr 22. At around 4:10 PM, while the initial cordon was being established, terrorists attempting to break cordon opened heavy fire onto the Security Forces during which an army soldier suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately evacuated to the nearest Medical Aid Post for first aid by road and subsequently by air to 92 Base Hospital. The terrorists had entered an area that comprised of a cluster of eight houses including a cowshed, with a large orchard adjoining the houses. The Cordon was reinforced and tightened around this area to prevent the escape of the terrorists. Systematic evacuation of civilians from the area was undertaken in coordination with JKP. The area was kept under constant surveillance using quad copters to locate the terrorists.
At around 7:30 PM, the terrorists were spotted and isolated inside the cowshed. The Cordon was readjusted around the target shed. Firefight between the terrorists and own Forces commenced which continued till about 9:50 PM when it was found that the one terrorist had been neutralised and the other grievously injured. Intermittent firing continued through the night into the intervening morning of 28 Apr till around 2:15 AM when it was found that the second terrorist had also been neutralised. A search of the target area resulted in the recovery of weapons and other warlike stores. As per JKP records, the neutralised terrorists belonged to the proscribed terror tanzeem LeT and have been identified as Aijaz Ah Hafiz, a resident of Delipura, Pulwama, who had been recruited on 10 Mar 22 and Shahid Ayoub Sheikh, a resident of Deri, Murren, Pulwama, recruited on 02 Apr 22.
