Shopian, May 6: In a major breakthrough for security forces, five terrorists including top Hizbul Mujaheedin commander Saddam Paddar was killed in an encounter that broke out early this morning in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Amongst the slain terrorists was the missing assistant professor of Kashmir University, who had reported joined the terrorists. The assistant professor, identified as Dr Mohammad Rafi Bhat, went missing on Friday.

The encounter broke out today when the security forces were fired upon by the terrorists during cordon and search operation. Out of the remaining three terrorist two were identified as Bilal Molvi and Aadil Malik. Meanwhile, an army personnel and one policeman who were injured during the encounter have been rushed to a military hospital. The Indian Army, Central Police Reserve Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir police conducted the operation.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid confirmed that the encounter was over. He tweeted, "Encounter concluded at Badigam Zainpora Shopian, 5 bodies of terrorists recovered. Well done boys - Army/ CRPF/J&K Police."

Locals resorted to stone pelting to obstruct the operation, but additional CRPF personnel were sent to the spot to tackle the protesters. Shopian Senior Superintendent of Police Shailendra Mishra used public address system to offer the terrorists an option to surrender. However, the terrorists opened fire at the security personnel.

In two day seven terrorists were gunned down by the security forces. Yesterday also three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Srinagar’s Chattabal area.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 06, 2018 12:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).