Kulgam: The two-day-long gunfight between security forces and terrorists in the Guddar forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district ended on Tuesday after two soldiers, including a JCO, were killed in action and as many terrorists were shot dead, officials said.
An official said that the encounter began on Monday morning when a joint team of Police, Army’s 9 RR, elite Para Special Forces and CRPF personnel launched a search operation in the Guddar forest area.
He said the operation was launched on specific police input about the presence of 2–3 terrorists in the area. As the searches were underway, terrorists opened fire on the forces, which was retaliated to, triggering a gunfight.
In the initial exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed while three Army personnel, including a JCO, sustained injuries. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital, where two of them, including the JCO, succumbed. The condition of another injured Army officer is said to be stable.
As the searches continued, security forces again engaged the hiding terrorists. Another terrorist was killed in the gunfight, taking the toll to two.
“The operation ended this afternoon after a final round of searches,” the official said.
The soldiers killed in action were identified as Subedar (JCO) Prabhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu.
“The Army honours the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts in the line of duty. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families,” a Chinar Corps spokesman said.
Meanwhile, security forces also busted a hideout in the forest, recovering an INSAS rifle and other incriminating material. Officials said the slain terrorists had been using the hideout to survive in the dense jungles.
One of the killed terrorists was a Pakistani national operating under the code name Rehman Bhai, while the other was identified as Aamir Bashir of Shopian, who had joined terrorist ranks two years ago. Both were affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit, officials added.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of law.
Kulgam op ends, terrorist hideout busted
