Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have neutralized five terrorists in two separate encounters over the past 24 hours, according to sources. The operations, conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, underscore ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
Baramulla Encounter: 3 Terrorists Eliminated
The first encounter occurred in the Chak Taper Kreeri area of Pattan, Baramulla district. The gunfight began late Friday night following a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area, security forces launched a search operation, which soon escalated into an armed confrontation.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, three terrorists were killed in the ensuing gunfight. The joint operation is still underway, with security forces maintaining a vigilant presence in the area to ensure that no threats remain.
Kathua Operation: Two Terrorists Shot Dead
In a separate incident, troops of the Army’s Rising Star Corps unit engaged with terrorists in Kathua district on Friday. During this encounter, two terrorists were killed. After the operation concluded, the Army recovered a large cache of “war-like stores,” adding to the success of the ongoing anti-terrorism operations in the region.
The Army confirmed the recovery in a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Large war-like stores were recovered after the operations concluded.”
Loss of Bravehearts in Kishtwar Encounter
Earlier on Friday, an encounter in the Kishtwar district resulted in the death of two Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO). The clash occurred when a joint security party of the Indian Army and police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Naidgham area of the Chhatroo belt, following a tip-off about terrorist activity.
The operation was launched in the higher reaches connecting Kishtwar with south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The injured soldiers, Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh, succumbed to their injuries. A statement by the Indian Army read:
PM Modi’s Upcoming Visit to Jammu and Kashmir
These encounters come at a crucial time, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district for a major election rally. This visit marks the first time a prime minister has visited Doda in 42 years. To ensure security, multi-tier measures have been deployed across the districts of Doda and Kishtwar, particularly around the rally venue.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, will take place in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. Vote counting is scheduled for October 8.
