3 JeM terrorists killed in encounter in Pulwama

Srinagar | Three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Nader Tral area of Awantipora in the south Kashmir district after receiving specific inputs about the presence of terrorists there, a police official said.

The search operation turned into a gunfight after the terrorists opened fire at the forces, who retaliated, he said.

The three terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire, they said.

"The eliminated terrorists have been identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani and Yawar Ahmed Bhat, from whom three AK-series rifles, twelve magazines, three grenades and various other war like stores have been recovered," Army's Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

Sources in police said the terrorists belonged to the proscribed JeM.

Speaking to reporters near the encounter site, inspector general of police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi termed the killing of the three as a significant development in the fight against terror.

"These are the significant developments in our resolve and fight against terrorism," he said.

India, Pak understanding on cessation of hostilities extended

New Delhi | Following the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan on cessation of hostilities, it was decided to continue the confidence building measures to reduce the alertness level, Indian officials said on Thursday.

The clarification came after Pakistan military said the understanding on ending the hostilities has been extended until May 18.

"Further to the understanding between the two DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations) on May 10, it has been decided to continue the confidence building measures so as to reduce the alertness level," an Indian Army official said.

"As situation develops further, we shall intimate you," he said.