A fierce gun battle erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Ahlan Gagarmandu forest of Anantnag district, South Kashmir, on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two Army personnel and injuries to four others. The encounter unfolded during a cordon and search operation launched by security forces based on intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the remote forest area.
The skirmish commenced when a group of terrorists opened fire on the joint search parties, comprising Army troops, including para commandos, and local police. The ensuing gun battle left six Army personnel and two civilians injured. The injured soldiers were promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where two succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. The remaining injured personnel and civilians are receiving medical attention.
Reinforcements have been deployed to the area, and operations to locate and neutralize the fleeing terrorists are underway. This encounter serves as a stark reminder of a similar operation in the Kokernag region last September, which resulted in the deaths of four security personnel, including Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and Deputy SP Humayun Bhat, during a week-long engagement with terrorists. Two terrorists, including a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, were also neutralized in that operation.
Security forces have intensified their efforts in the Kokernag forests following a July 15 encounter in Doda district that claimed the lives of four soldiers, including a captain. It is believed that the terrorists involved in the recent Anantnag incident may have crossed over from Kishtwar district after escaping the confrontation in Doda.
The Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed the operation on the social media platform X, stating, “Based on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF in the general area of Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and a firefight ensued.” The Army also acknowledged the injuries to the civilians, condemning the “indiscriminate, desperate, and reckless” firing by the terrorists during the ongoing operation. The injured civilians have received immediate medical aid and have been evacuated for further treatment.
The situation in the area remains tense as security forces continue their pursuit of the terrorists.
