Kulgam operation called off on second day

Srinagar , Sep 9: The anti-terror operation in the Guddar forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district was called off on Tuesday evening, a day after a fierce encounter resulted in the death of two unidentified terrorists and two Indian Army soldiers.

The operation, launched early Monday based on specific intelligence inputs, also left a junior commissioned officer (JCO) and two other soldiers injured. “ Operation was called off today evening,” police said here.

The gunfight erupted on Monday when a joint team comprising the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), 9 Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) initiated a cordon-and-search operation in the dense Guddar forest. Acting on credible intelligence about the presence of armed terrorists, the forces encountered suspicious movement. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire.

In the initial exchange, one terrorist was neutralized, but the encounter claimed the lives of two soldiers, Sub Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, who succumbed to their injuries at the BB Army Hospital on Monday evening. A second terrorist was later eliminated as the operation continued.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army, based in Srinagar, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers via a post on X: “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.”

Three soldiers, including a JCO, sustained injuries during the encounter and were evacuated for medical treatment. The condition of the injured personnel remains undisclosed. The Army’s update on X confirmed the neutralization of the second terrorist and noted that the operation was paused due to darkness and the challenging terrain of the Guddar forest.