Chowgam: Security forces have gunned down five terrorists in Chowgam village near Qazigund during the intervening night of September 14 and 15.

The operation was launched during midnight, following which the village was cordoned off. All the five terrorists were staying in a house with civilians as a hostage. Security forces, at first, safely evacuated the family after which contact was established with the terrorists, leading to an encounter in the area.

One terrorist was killed when he was trying to cross over to another house, while four others were gunned down inside the house.

A senior official, while sharing details on the encounter, said, "There was input about the presence of five terrorists including top commanders. We launched the CASO after which the terrorists fired upon the forces leading to encounter. The operation was carried out by Special Operations Group (SOG) Jammu Kashmir Police, 9-Rashtriya Rifles of Indian Army and a unit of the CRPF".

Among the killed terrorists, is top Hizbul commander Gulzar Ahmad Padder who was on the radar of security forces for a long time. Gulzar, a resident of Adjan, joined the terror outfit in June 2015.

All the five terrorists were locals and have joined terror ranks after 2014. They were affiliated to terror outfits Hizbul Mujahedeen and Lashkar-e Toiba. They have been involved in various terror activities including the killing of two bank employees and many policemen. They were also involved in many incidents of weapon-snatching and bank robberies.

Security forces are yet to recover the bodies of terrorists. 

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Dilbag Singh while speaking to MyNation said," Three of five terrorists are from Hizbul Mujahideen while two are affiliated to Lashkar- e Toiba. Most likely all are local terrorists". 

District administration has already imposed restrictions under section 144 in the entire area. Train and internet services have also been snapped in parts of the district.

With inputs from Rohit Goja