2 Soldiers and 3 Terrorists Killed in Gunfight in North Kashmir District: A Detailed Account. On Friday night, a fierce gunfight broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Pattan area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, resulting in the deaths of 2 soldiers and 3 terrorists. The gunfight took place as part of a joint operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police after receiving intelligence reports about terrorist activity in the region. This encounter, one of the most significant in recent times, highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
The Joint Operation in Baramulla
The operation began late Friday night after intelligence agencies received a tip-off regarding the presence of terrorists in the Chak Taper Kreeri area of the Pattan region in Baramulla district. Acting swiftly, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police formed a joint team to conduct a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) in the area. The CASO is a commonly used tactic in the region, where security forces surround a suspected hideout and search for militants. Given the sensitive location and the intelligence about armed terrorists in the area, the operation was conducted with high caution.
The situation soon escalated when the terrorists, realizing they were cornered, opened fire on the security forces. What began as a search operation quickly turned into a full-blown gunfight. The exchange of fire between the terrorists and the security forces lasted several hours, leading to the deaths of 3 terrorists. The security forces responded with equal force, managing to neutralize the threat.
However, the battle came at a heavy cost. During the exchange of fire, 2 soldiers lost their lives. The fallen soldiers were part of the Indian Army’s elite unit, which has been actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the region. The loss of 2 soldiers and 3 terrorists killed in the gunfight in the North Kashmir District underscores the high price paid by the security forces in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Aftermath of the Encounter
Once the gunfight concluded, the security forces thoroughly combed the area to ensure that no terrorists had escaped or were hiding in nearby locations. According to official statements, the bodies of the 3 slain terrorists were recovered, along with a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. These recoveries indicate the well-armed nature of the terrorists and their intention to carry out major attacks in the region. The presence of “war-like” stores, as described by the security forces, suggests that the group was preparing for a larger operation or attack.
The operation in Baramulla was still ongoing at the time of the report, with security forces continuing to search the surrounding areas for any additional militants or suspicious activities. This prolonged search operation is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring that no terrorists are able to escape or regroup.
The deaths of 2 soldiers and 3 terrorists killed in the gunfight in the North Kashmir District have been widely reported across media platforms, highlighting the bravery of the security forces who risk their lives to protect the region from terrorist activities. The operation is a reminder of the volatile nature of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in districts like Baramulla, which have historically been hotspots for terrorist activity.
Separate Encounter in Kathua District
While the operation in Baramulla was underway, a separate encounter took place in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, where 2 terrorists were killed by soldiers from the Army’s Rising Star Corps. This encounter, which also took place on Friday, adds to the growing list of recent clashes between security forces and terrorists in the region. According to official reports, the security forces in Kathua recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition after the conclusion of the operation. These recoveries further emphasize the scale of terrorist activities in the region.
The simultaneous encounters in Baramulla and Kathua districts illustrate the widespread nature of terrorist threats across Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces remain on high alert across the region, constantly conducting operations to neutralize terrorist elements and prevent potential attacks.
Loss of Soldiers in Kishtwar District
Earlier on Friday, another tragic incident unfolded in the Kishtwar district, where 2 soldiers were killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in the higher reaches of the region. The soldiers, Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh, were part of a joint security team conducting a search operation in the Naidgham area of the Chhatroo belt, which connects Kishtwar with South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The encounter took place when security forces, acting on specific intelligence, launched a cordon-and-search operation to flush out terrorists hiding in the area. The terrorists, armed with grenades and automatic rifles, launched a surprise attack on the soldiers, leading to a prolonged firefight. Four soldiers were injured during the battle, with two of them succumbing to their injuries. One soldier died from splinter injuries caused by a grenade explosion, while another was fatally shot in the head.
The loss of 2 soldiers and 3 terrorists killed in the gunfight in North Kashmir District, combined with the deaths of 2 additional soldiers in Kishtwar, has cast a shadow over the region as it prepares for a crucial election period.
Security Measures Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s Visit
The encounters in Baramulla, Kathua, and Kishtwar come at a critical time, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir for a mega poll rally in the Doda district. This will be the first time in 42 years that a prime minister has visited Doda, and the event is being viewed as a historic moment for the region.
To ensure the safety of the prime minister and the peaceful conduct of the rally, multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place across the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar. Security forces have heightened their vigilance, particularly around the venue of the rally, to prevent any disruptions or attacks.
The deaths of 2 soldiers and 3 terrorists killed in the gunfight in North Kashmir District, along with the ongoing security operations, underscore the tense atmosphere surrounding the prime minister’s visit. The security forces are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to maintain peace and stability during this crucial period.
Upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections
The recent encounters also come just ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. These elections are the first to be held in the region in a decade, and they hold special significance as they are also the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in 2019.
The removal of these constitutional provisions, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, marked a significant turning point in the region’s political landscape. The upcoming elections are expected to shape the future of the region, with political parties and voters navigating a new era of governance.
Conclusion
The deaths of 2 soldiers and 3 terrorists killed in the gunfight in North Kashmir District, along with the other recent encounters in Jammu and Kashmir, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the region. As the state prepares for elections and a high-profile visit from Prime Minister Modi, the security situation remains fragile. Security forces continue to work tirelessly to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of the region’s residents.
Source: Hindustan Times
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