New Delhi: Security forces killed a terrorist during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday, following a joint anti terror operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Srinagar Sector CRPF.
The operation, codenamed Operation Ashdar, was launched in the Ashdar Gali area after security forces received specific intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists in the region. The inputs indicated that a group had moved from the Pakherpora area of Pulwama towards Yousmarg in Budgam.
During the search operation, troops detected suspicious movement and challenged the suspected terrorists. The group responded with gunfire, leading to an intense exchange between the two sides.
One terrorist was killed during the encounter. Security forces recovered an AK series rifle along with other war like material from the site. The identity of the slain terrorist has not yet been established.
The operation has now shifted into an extensive search phase as security forces continue combing the area for other suspected terrorists who may have escaped during the gunfight. Additional personnel have been deployed to strengthen the cordon and prevent any movement out of the area.
The encounter took place close to Doodhpathri, a popular tourist destination in Budgam. In view of the ongoing security operation, authorities have advised tourists to avoid the area until further notice.
Search teams are also examining the surrounding forest areas across the Pir Panjal range, with the terrain extending towards several districts including Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Pulwama and Shopian.
The encounter marks a significant anti terror operation in the Valley after several months of relative calm, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance across sensitive areas.
