Terrorist Neutralised in Budgam Encounter, Search On for Second Militant

A terrorist was killed on Friday in a fierce gunbattle with security forces in the dense forests of Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. The joint operation, involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF, was launched in the Ashdar Gali area following specific intelligence about a group of militants moving from Pakherpora in Pulwama district towards Yousmarg in Budgam.

According to officials, the troops observed suspicious activity and challenged the group, upon which the terrorists opened fire. This led to an intense exchange of gunfire, during which one terrorist was neutralised. An AK rifle was recovered from the site. The identity of the slain terrorist is yet to be established.

The Chinar Corps, in a statement, confirmed the development and noted that a search operation is still in progress as another terrorist is believed to be holed up in the same area. The encounter marks the end of a relatively quiet period in the Valley, which had seen no major operations for several months. Security forces remain on high alert as the search operation continues.