Kupwara, July 19: A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed by the security forces in an encounter at Batpora in Handwara area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on July 19. According to a police official, the body of the terrorists was recovered from the encounter site along with a weapon and other explosive material. No security personnel was reported to be injured in the encounter.

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of terrorists. The encounter started after the terrorists fired upon a search party, which retaliated. The search operation is still underway in the area.

On July 9, a terrorist was also killed in an encounter in Handwara. The encounter began after terrorists fired upon the security personnel. In a separate incident, terrorists also hurled a grenade at Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle in Tral area of Pulwama district on the same day. However, no one was injured in the attack.

Till now more than a hundred terrorists have been killed in encounters, whereas more than 40 security personnel have lost their lives in 2018. Terror activities have increased in the Kashmir valley after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in July 2016. There is also a steep increase in the local terrorism since Wani’s death. This year, the Centre had also suspended all military operations in the valley during the holy month of Ramzan as a goodwill gesture to reduce tension in the valley. However, terror activities did not stop during that period also.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2018 12:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).