Pulwama encounter: "Fidayan attack", all families evacuated, says GOC

The Army Strategic Officer (GOC) at Jammu and Kashmir, on 26 August said that the Pulwama encounter is a " fidayan attack" and added that all the families have been brought out of the blocks.

According to the sources, one militant has been neutralized, while two more are reportedly are holed up and about 55 Rashtriya Rifles have joined the operations, while there is no hostage situation.

Speaking to ANI, GOC of the Army's strategic Chinar Corps responsible for Line of Control ( LoC) J.S. Sandhu said that in the early hour of the morning two terrorists entered in family quarters in DPL Pulwama, and added, "In the encounter we have lost one J-K police official and two CRPF Jawans."

GOC J.S. Sandhu further said that all the families have been evacuated and the troops are continuing with the operation.

"Hopefully in a short time we would be able to eliminate the terrorists who are there," General Sandhu said.

He also said that since last year the presence of terrorists in South Kashmir has "increased," particular in the area of Shopian.

J.S. Sandhu further said that the operations against these terrorists continuing, and added, "We have opened at least 7 to 8 new operating bases in Shopian."

He also said, "There have been number of local boys who have joined the terrorists," and added that they are hoping that in due course they "start realizing that it's not worth it."

He also said that they are able to handle the situation there.

Talking about the situation in Kashmir, J.S. Sandhu said, "The situation is better than before and people are doing their daily day to day activities and the violence level have reduced to a great extent."

Further details are awaited.

-ANI