The gunfight in Kulgam’s Gudar forest began after security forces launched a search operation following intelligence on terrorists’ presence.
A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday morning.
The gunfight erupted after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Gudar forest area following intelligence about the presence of terrorists.
The search turned into an encounter when the terrorists opened fire on the security forces’ positions, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire, police officials said.
The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said a junior commissioned officer was injured during the operation.
The operation is being conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was eliminated and a junior commissioned officer sustained injuries,” Chinar Corps tweeted.
“Operation is in progress,” it added.
Earlier in August, security forces carried out one of the longest anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, with a gunfight in Kulgam district entering its eighth day as troops battled terrorists hiding in the dense forest.
Senior police and army officers monitored the operation round-the-clock. Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat visited the site to assess the situation, while Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reviewed the security scenario and counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir.
Security forces had deployed drones and helicopters to track the terrorists in the difficult terrain, with Para commandos assisting in neutralising the hiding terrorists.
Two terrorists were killed in the encounter after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the South Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs.
After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides, the operation was halted for the night, but the cordon was strengthened and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area.
The article originally appeared on Hindustan Times
