Gunbattle breaks out a month after the last clash in South Kashmir; operation launched on intelligence inputs, operation to resume at dawn, strict cordon intact, top officials monitoring ops, army pays tribute to fallen jawans
Nadeem Nadu / Fazil Mir
Kulgam, Sep 8 :
An encounter between terrorists and security forces that began in the Gudder forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday morning was temporarily halted this evening and will resume at the break of dawn, officials said.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that intermittent firing continued till late evening before the operation was paused due to darkness. Security personnel have maintained a strict cordon around the suspected spot to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
Earlier, officials confirmed to KNC that two terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire, while three army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), sustained injuries. All the injured soldiers were evacuated to hospital for specialized treatment; however, two of them later succumbed to their injuries.
In a post on X, Chinar Corps of the Indian Army wrote, “OP GUDDAR, Kulgam | Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us.” The post further added, “Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”
The gunfight had erupted after a joint team of the Army, CRPF, Special Operations Group (SOG), and police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area following intelligence inputs about terrorist presence. The hiding terrorists opened fire on the approaching forces, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Sources said additional reinforcements were rushed to the area in the evening while a tight cordon is in place as the operation is set to resume with daylight in the early morning tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Director General of J&K Police Nalin Prabhat, along with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other top officials, visited the site and are closely monitoring the ongoing anti-terror operation. (KNC)