The peaceful landscape of Jammu and Kashmir was once again disrupted by the echoes of gunfire as security forces clashed with terrorists in separate encounters in the Kathua and Kulgam districts. The first encounter, which unfolded on Thursday in the village of Kog (Mandli) in Kathua district, resulted in the tragic loss of a policeman’s life and left an assistant sub-inspector injured. The exchange of fire commenced around 5:30 pm when security forces, acting on intelligence reports, initiated a joint cordon and search operation in the village. The initial burst of gunfire was followed by a prolonged exchange of heavy fire between the security forces and the terrorists.
The confrontation in Kathua was a direct response to specific intelligence received about the presence of terrorists in the area. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu confirmed that security forces had established contact with the terrorists, leading to the ensuing firefight. The area was cordoned off to prevent any escape attempts by the terrorists. Reinforcements from nearby security camps were deployed to tighten the security cordon around the Kathua area.
Meanwhile, in the Kulgam district, another encounter unfolded on Saturday, leaving three army personnel and one police officer injured. The security forces received information about the movement of terrorists in the Arigam area late on Friday night and launched an operation to apprehend them. Upon arriving at the location, the security forces were met with gunfire, triggering a fierce encounter that continued into Saturday morning.
These encounters, occurring concurrently with the ongoing three-phase assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, serve as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing the region. Security forces are on high alert to ensure a safe and secure environment for the electoral process.
The intensity of the encounters in Kathua and Kulgam highlights the ongoing tension and the constant threat posed by terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The situation remains fluid, and further updates on both encounters are anticipated as the security forces continue their operations.
