Kulgam encounter: Pakistani among two terrorists, 2 soldiers killed

DGP Prabhat visits ‘Ground Zero,’ top Police, Army officers monitor operation

Srinagar, Sep 8: Two terrorists, including a foreigner, were killed while two Army soldiers also lost their lives in an encounter in the Guddar forest area of Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said.

An official said that following a “specific intelligence input” about the presence of terrorists, a joint team of Police, Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Guddar area this morning.  “The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire on the security forces,” he said.

The official added that one Pakistani and one local terrorist have been killed and the operation is on. “Three soldiers sustained injuries in the encounter and were shifted to an Army hospital, where two of them succumbed,” he said.

“Despite heavy rain and dense foliage, the operation continued throughout the day and is expected to go on through the night. There is a possibility of more terrorists. Searches are on and the operation will continue until the area is fully cleared,” the official said.

The Kashmir Zone Police wrote on X: “Based on specific intelligence, an encounter has started in the Guddar forest of Kulgam. SOG of J&K Police, Army and CRPF are on the job. Further details to follow.”

Meanwhile, Chinar Corps said that two terrorists were killed in the encounter while a Junior Commissioned Officer sustained injuries. Security forces are working to ascertain the identities of the slain terrorists as the operation continues.

“Vigilant troops observed suspicious movement and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, two terrorists were eliminated while a JCO was injured,” it said on X.

Later in the evening Army wrote on X: “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. Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”

The operation is being monitored by senior police and Army officials. Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat, also visited the site of the on-going encounter in Kulgam district.