Security forces scored a major success on Thursday by neutralizing five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including the group’s senior-most commander, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, alias Farooq Nali, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
The encounter unfolded in the Kader area, where security forces had launched a joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs. As the area was cordoned off, the terrorists opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape. The ensuing gun battle lasted nearly two hours, leaving all five terrorists dead, officials said.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V.K. Birdhi confirmed Nali’s death, terming it a major blow to Hizbul Mujahideen. “Yes, he is among the five terrorists killed,” Birdhi said.
Farooq Nali, a resident of Deschen Yemrich in Kulgam, had been active since 2015 and was categorized as “A++” due to his seniority and role in orchestrating terror activities. He assumed the group’s command following the death of operational commander Saifullah in a 2020 encounter in Srinagar.
“Nali was involved in several high-profile attacks and his elimination is a significant achievement,” a senior police officer in south Kashmir said.
The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army also highlighted the successful operation on social media, stating, “On 19 Dec 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam.”
The firefight left two Army personnel injured, who were evacuated for medical care, officials confirmed.
