2 terrorists, 2 soldiers killed in Kulgam encounter: Army

Srinagar, Sep 8: Two unidentified terrorists and Army soldiers were killed, and another soldier sustained injuries during an ongoing fierce encounter in the Guddar forest of Kulgam district in south Kashmir on Monday.

The gunfight broke out early Monday after J&K Police, 9 Rashtriya Rifles, and CRPF launched a joint anti-terror operation based on specific intelligence inputs inside the forests.

The deceased Army soldiers have been identified as Sub Perbhat Gaur and Lancenailk Narender Sindhu.

The soldiers were injured in the first exchange of fire and were shifted to Badami Bagh Army Hospital, where they succumbed on Monday evening.

Initial reports have said that one of them was a local terrorist, while the other is believed to be a foreigner.

However, there was no official confirmation.

Soon after the exchange of fire, the Kashmir Zone Police posted on the microblogging site X, "Based on specific intelligence, an encounter has started in the Guddar forest of the Kulgam. SOG of J&K Police, Army, and CRPF on the job. Further details to follow.”

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi said, “So far two terrorists have been killed in operation and their identification is being ascertained.”

The Kashmir Police chief said searches in the area were underway.

“The operation has been halted because of darkness and difficult terrain,” he said, adding that the operation would resume in the morning.

“Update: OP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA,” Chinar Corps Indian Army said in a post on X.

According to security officials, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was initiated in the dense Guddar forest following credible information about the presence of armed terrorists in the area.

During the operation, the terrorists opened fire on the approaching forces, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps shared updates on the ongoing operation via a post on X.

“Based on specific intelligence input provided by Jammu and Kashmir Police, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF in the Guddar forest area of Kulgam. Vigilant troops noticed suspicious movement. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce firefight. One terrorist was neutralised in the initial exchange, and a junior commissioned officer (JCO) sustained injuries,” the Army said.

Shortly after, the Army said that a second terrorist had also been eliminated in the continuing operation.

“One more terrorist has been eliminated in the ongoing operation at the Guddar forest of Kulgam. One soldier suffered injuries and is being evacuated for requisite medical care. The identity and affiliations of the slain terrorists are being verified,” the Army said.

Official sources said that a total of three soldiers were injured during the encounter.

Besides the JCO, two other personnel also sustained injuries.

They have been shifted to medical facilities for treatment.

The condition of the injured soldiers has not been disclosed at this time.

As of the latest updates, the search and sanitisation operation in the forested area is still underway, with forces maintaining a high state of alert.