One Terrorist Killed, Operation Underway Against Two Others in Jammu & Kashmir’s Awantipora

Awantipora, J&K – Security forces are engaged in a tense encounter with militants in the Nader and Tral areas of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The operation, which began early Wednesday morning, has already resulted in the death of one terrorist. Two more are believed to be hiding in the area, officials confirmed.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the confrontation started after a joint team of security forces launched a search operation following credible intelligence inputs about militant presence in the region. “An encounter has started at Nader & Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job,” the Kashmir Zone Police said on X (formerly Twitter).

Gunbattle Breaks Out

The search began at dawn when troops surrounded a suspected hideout in a forested area. As they moved in, they came under sudden gunfire, prompting an immediate retaliation. The area, known for its dense foliage and rugged terrain, provides cover for hiding militants, making the operation complex.

“One militant has been gunned down, and we suspect two others are still cornered. The situation is being closely monitored,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.

Security forces are proceeding with caution to avoid casualties on their side and to ensure the safety of civilians in nearby areas.

Civilian Movement Restricted

Authorities have sealed off the region, suspending movement in the surrounding villages. Schools and educational institutions in the vicinity have been closed as a precaution. Loudspeaker announcements urged locals to remain indoors, and emergency services are on standby.

“Our teams are exercising maximum restraint to avoid any harm to non-combatants. Protecting civilian lives is a top priority,” an official from the security forces stated.

Identity of the Slain Terrorist Under Verification

Though the name and affiliation of the killed terrorist have not been officially confirmed, early reports suggest a link to a Pakistan-backed group operating in the Valley. The body has been recovered, and forensic teams are examining documents and weapons found at the site.

“We are trying to match records to confirm his identity and check whether he had a criminal history or was involved in earlier attacks,” said a police spokesperson.

Why Tral and Nader Matter

Tral, located within the Pulwama district, has long been considered a sensitive zone due to its past association with militancy. The region gained notoriety after it became the base of several high-profile terrorists, including Burhan Wani, whose death in 2016 led to months of unrest.

Over the years, security forces have conducted numerous operations in the area to dismantle militant networks. Today’s encounter signals that while militancy has weakened, pockets of resistance still remain.

“Despite major gains in recent years, it’s clear that we cannot let our guard down. These incidents show there are still elements trying to disrupt peace,” said a former Army officer with years of experience in the Valley.

Local Reaction: Fear and Caution

Residents of Nader and nearby villages reported waking up to sounds of gunfire. “We heard loud bursts early in the morning and quickly locked ourselves inside. It’s terrifying,” said a local villager.

Some families have temporarily moved in with relatives in safer locations. Local officials are coordinating with community leaders to keep communication channels open and ensure that emergency aid is available if needed.

Political Context

The encounter comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley is under high alert due to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Pulwama falls under the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, where voting is scheduled in the coming days. Security across the district has been tightened to prevent any untoward incident during the polls.

“This operation highlights the constant pressure our forces face, especially during sensitive periods like elections,” a retired J&K police chief commented.

Ongoing Operation

As of now, the operation is still active. Additional forces have been sent to support the troops on the ground. Modern surveillance tools, including drones and night-vision devices, are being used to pinpoint the exact location of the remaining militants.

Authorities believe that neutralizing the remaining targets could help unravel recent infiltration routes or sleeper cell activities. The outcome of this encounter could offer valuable insights for future counter-terror efforts.

“We are moving carefully, step by step. Our goal is to end this operation without further loss of life,” said a CRPF officer at the site.

Conclusion

Today’s incident is a reminder that despite significant progress, the fight against terrorism in Kashmir is far from over. The courage and dedication of the forces on the ground continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Further updates will follow as more information becomes available about the militants and the status of the ongoing encounter.