Three terrorists killed in South Kashmir (Update)

In a fierce encounter in Panzgom, South Kashmir on May 7, security forces have eliminated three terrorists. Three weapons have been recovered even as the identity of those killed has not yet been established. Operations are in progress

Earlier, a counter terrorist operation in the Putshai area of Lolab, Kupwara, North Kashmir, from April 22 to April, 27, witnessed the gunning down of four terrorists whose weapons were also recovered. In yet another significant operation on May 7, security forces had gunned down two top terrorists of the Hizb-ul- Mujahedeen in Shopian, South Kashmir.

Security forces in Kashmir are achieving good success in surgical counter-terrorist operations on the basis of specific information. They are successfully maintaining pressure on terrorist activity in the Kashmir Valley.

Defence experts are, however, voicing apprehensions about the diplomatic engagement with Pakistan which, they feel, is not gaining any momentum. During the recently held secretary level talks between Indian and Pakistan on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference, Indian Foreign Secretary, S Jaishankar, clearly conveyed that Pakistan cannot remain in denial about the impact of terrorism on the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Terrorist groups based in Pakistan targeting India must not be allowed to operate with impunity, he said, according to a statement released by MEA.

Despite this demand by India, Pakistan sponsored terrorism activity in the Kashmir valley is not showing any signs of going down as is evident from the large number of success counter- terrorist operations being conducted over there.

Experts are of the opinion that under the circumstances the best option available for India is to defeat whatever challenge is posed by Pakistan. The objective should be to steer Pakistan to the point of exhaustion.