TDD Correspondent
Kulgam, (TDD) In a major breakthrough against militancy in South Kashmir, five terrorists were killed and two soldiers injured during an intense overnight encounter in Kadder village of Behibagh, Kulgam district.
The operation was launched following actionable intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area late last night.
According to officials, a joint team of security forces, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), initiated a cordon-and-search operation late Tuesday night. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks in the region.
As the security forces moved closer to the suspected hideout, the militants opened indiscriminate fire, prompting a swift retaliatory response from the forces. The ensuing gunfight lasted several hours, during which two soldiers sustained injuries. They were immediately evacuated to a nearby medical facility and are reported to be stable.
By early morning, five militants were neutralized in the operation. “The identities and group affiliations of the eliminated militants are being ascertained,” an official said, adding that the operation was meticulously planned to minimize collateral damage in the densely populated area.
The encounter site and its surrounding areas are currently under tight security as forces continue search operations to rule out the possibility of more militants in the vicinity. Explosive material and arms recovered from the scene are being examined, further pointing to the militants’ likely involvement in recent attacks in the region.
This operation comes amidst heightened counter-insurgency measures in South Kashmir, a region often described as the epicenter of militant activity. The security forces have recently intensified their efforts, conducting targeted operations based on precise intelligence inputs.
Local residents in Kadder village have been advised to remain indoors as the area remains under curfew-like restrictions for safety reasons. While the successful operation is seen as a major achievement for the security forces, it also highlights the persistent challenges in restoring peace to the region.
More details are awaited as the operation progresses. (TDD)