2 terrorists, 2 soldiers killed in fierce encounter in J&K’s Kulgam

Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 8: Two terrorists and two Indian Army personnel were killed in a fierce gunfight during an anti-terror operation in the Gudar forest area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials confirmed. The operation, launched by joint security forces, is still ongoing.

The encounter began during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) when security forces, acting on intelligence inputs, approached a suspected terrorist hideout. The terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

In the initial clash, one terrorist was neutralised and three soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were injured. Two of the injured soldiers, Subedar Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, while the JCO remains in stable condition.

As the operation continued, a second terrorist was gunned down. The identities of the slain terrorists are still being verified.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army paid tribute to the fallen soldiers on X (formerly Twitter):

"OP GUDDAR, Kulgam — Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families."

Officials stated that the operation is part of a wider offensive targeting not just active militants but also overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers who help sustain the militant ecosystem in the Union Territory.

The security apparatus in J&K has been on high alert amid renewed infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly after the suspension of 'Operation Sindoor'. The 740-km LoC and the 240-km International Border with Pakistan are being closely monitored, with drone incursions being a growing concern.

Terrorist outfits, with support from handlers across the border, have increasingly used drones to drop weapons, narcotics, and cash into Indian territory. The Border Security Force (BSF) is actively deploying anti-drone technology to counter these efforts.

Security agencies are also focusing on the drug-smuggling network and hawala funding routes, both of which are suspected to be linked to Pakistan-based terror handlers. The funds generated from these illicit activities are believed to be a key source for sustaining terrorism in the region.

The ongoing Kulgam operation is part of a broader crackdown aimed at dismantling the terror support infrastructure in J&K, and officials have indicated that more such offensives are likely in the coming weeks.