On September 28, 2024, a fierce gunfight erupted in the Adigam Devsar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, leaving three Indian Army jawans and a police officer injured. The incident occurred after security forces launched an anti-terror operation in response to intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists in the region. The injured personnel were immediately transported to a hospital for treatment.
How the Encounter Unfolded?
The joint operation, carried out by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, commenced following a tip-off about terrorist activity in the area. The security forces conducted a house-to-house search in the village to locate the militants. During the search, terrorists opened fire on the forces, leading to an exchange of gunfire that is still ongoing as of the latest reports.
The Kashmir Police Zone confirmed the encounter via social media, stating, “An encounter has started at Adigam Devsar area of Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow”.
#WATCH | Kulgam, J&K: Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army & Jammu and Kashmir today at Arigam, Kulgam. During the search terrorists fired indiscriminately and a firefight ensued. Operation is in progress.
(Visuals deferred by… pic.twitter.com/SSVy8C7mth
— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2024
Ongoing Operation
The situation remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to neutralize the trapped terrorists. According to official sources, at least two terrorists are believed to be hiding in the area. The forces are working cautiously to avoid civilian casualties while attempting to bring the situation under control.
Recent Encounters in Jammu and Kashmir
This latest encounter in Kulgam is part of a broader pattern of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen several incidents in recent weeks. On September 15, security forces engaged in an exchange of fire in Poonch district, while a separate operation in Baramulla on September 14 resulted in the death of a terrorist. The operation in Kulgam follows a series of such actions aimed at eliminating terrorist activity in the region.
Violence Amidst Assembly Elections
Jammu and Kashmir is currently witnessing its first Assembly elections in a decade, a process that has been marked by sporadic violence. The elections are being held in three phases, with two phases completed on September 18 and 25. The final phase is scheduled for October 1, 2024, with the vote counting set for October 8. The timing of the elections has coincided with an uptick in militant activity, posing challenges for the security forces.
The gunfight in Kulgam is another reminder of the persistent challenges posed by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially as the region navigates through a sensitive political period. The bravery and resilience of the injured Army personnel and the police officer underline the ongoing commitment of security forces in maintaining peace in the area. As the operation continues, updates are expected, and the region remains on high alert.
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