Budgam Encounter: Security Forces Eliminate Terrorist, Search Operation Continues

The Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and Srinagar Sector CRPF jointly killed a terrorist during an encounter in Budgam district on Friday, officials said.

The Army’s Chinar Corps said the operation, code-named ‘Operation Ashdar’, was launched in the Ashdar Gali area following specific intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist movement. The operation began on Thursday after security forces received information about a group of suspected terrorists moving from Pakherpora in Pulwama towards Yousmarg in Budgam.

During the search, troops detected suspicious movement and challenged the suspected terrorists. The militants responded by opening fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter. An AK rifle and other war-like stores were also recovered from the site, the Chinar Corps said.

Search Operation Still Underway

The identity of the slain terrorist has not yet been ascertained. Security forces continue to search the area as part of the ongoing operation. Since the encounter is taking place near the popular Doodhpathri tourist destination, authorities have advised visitors to avoid the area until further orders.

Extensive searches are being carried out in the dense forests of the Pir Panjal range, with security forces maintaining a strong cordon across areas extending towards Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Pulwama and Shopian. Additional troops have been deployed to strengthen the operation and prevent any suspected terrorists from escaping.

The encounter comes after a gap of several months in major counter-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley.