J&K: Encounter underway between security forces, terrorists in Handwara

An encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Handwara area of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, in a first counter-militancy operation since the Centre announced a conditional suspension of operations during Ramzan.

The Centre had on May 16 announced that security forces will not launch any operations in J and K during the holy month of Ramzan, but they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

According to data available with South Asia Terrorism Portal, around 760 people have died in J&K since 2016 - the year Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter.

Though some of these fatalities have occurred in border areas and some have been reported from Jammu, but most of these deaths have happened in encounters in Kashmir.

Union Home Ministry officials had said that the move was not a concession to the extremists, but an effort to create an environment free of terror and violence during the holy month and there will be no lowering of guard.