The New Indian Express ·
Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Budgam forest of J&K
SRINAGAR: A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces on Friday, the second day of an ongoing anti-terror operation in the forest area of Yousmarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district.
The operation was launched by the Army, police and CRPF on Thursday evening in the Ashdar Gali area after security forces received inputs about the movement of a group of 2-3 terrorists from Pakherpora in Pulwama district towards the Yousmarg forest area in Budgam.
“Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was killed,” the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X.
An AK rifle and other war-like stores were recovered from the encounter site, the Army said. A security official said the identity of the slain terrorist and the outfit to which he owed allegiance were being ascertained. The operation is continuing to trace the other terrorists believed to be hiding in the forest area.
“We had got inputs that the group comprised 2-3 terrorists. One of the terrorists has been killed while the hunt for the others is going on,” the official said, adding that the terrorists were suspected to be Pakistani nationals.
More troops have been inducted into the area to tighten the cordon and prevent the terrorists from escaping through the dense forest, security officials said.
Elite Para Commandos have also been deployed to assist the forces on the ground in tracking and engaging the terrorists trapped in the forest.
Security forces are using drones and other surveillance equipment to track their movement. They are also using sniffer dogs and proceeding cautiously because the forest has thick vegetation and natural caves that could be used as hideouts and safe havens, officials said.