8 terrorists killed in Shopian, Pampore in J&K

At least 8 terrorists have been killed in two encounters in Shopian and Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir since Thursday.

"I must specifically mention the one in which we neutralised three terrorists (in Pampore's Meej) which was next to the mosque," GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, said.

"Extreme restraint was exercised by the security forces to ensure that no damage was caused to the structure," the official added.

Five terrorists were killed in Shopian and three in Pampore. Kashmir Police said during the Pampore encounter, there was no firing, and IED was not used with only tear smoke shells used in order to maintain the sanctity of the mosque as two terrorists hiding in the mosque were neutralized.

According to reports, over two dozen terrorists have been killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last two weeks by security forces.

"Out of the 49 new recruits who got enrolled into ranks of terrorist organizations, 27 have been neutralised," Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju informed reporters. adding, "if anybody takes up arms and causes harm to others, we will do what we're doing."