Jaish terrorist Sajjad Bhat, whose car was used in Pulwama attack, killed in Anantnag encounter

In a major success for the Indian Army, security forces on Tuesday gunned down key conspirators of February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack in Anantnag. According to officials, Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Sajjad Ahmad Bhat’s car was used in the suicide bombing in the Lethpora area of Pulwama which killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers forcing the two neighbours on the brink of a war.

A security personnel was also martyred in the encounter which started earlier on Tuesday. Two terrorists - Sajjad Maqbool Bhat and Tauseef - were neutralised and the security forces have recovered weapons and warlike stores.

"Two terrorists were killed in the operation in Bijbehara. They have been identified as Sajjad Bhat and Tauseef Bhat, and were affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group," the official said.

The security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Bijbehara area of the south Kashmir district in the morning following inputs about the presence of terrorists. The operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire on the forces, an officer said.

According to officials, Bhat had joined the terrorist groups just a few days before the terror attack on CRPF convoy. Besides several terror crimes, the official said, Sajjad Bhat was also wanted in connection with the suicide car blast in Pulwama.

"Sajjad Ahmad Bhat alias Afzal Guru had joined Jaish days before the Lethpora terror attack. He belonged to Marhama village," police sources was quoted as saying by IANS.

Besides two soldiers, brought to the hospital with severe contusions/ concussions after the Arihal village IED explosion on Monday also succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment in 92 Base Hospital on Tuesday, Defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.