Srinagar, Sept 09: In a fierce encounter in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, Indian security forces eliminated two terrorists, one suspected to be a Pakistani national, during a search operation in the Gudar forest area, triggered by specific intelligence.
The operation turned violent when the terrorists fired on the forces, leading to a gunfight.
Tragically, two soldiers, Sub Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, were martyred, and an Army Major was injured.
“Two terrorists, including one believed to be a Pakistani national were killed, and two soldiers were martyred in a fierce encounter in the Kulgam district, and an Army Major was also injured in the operation,” officials informed.
Gaur and Sindhu succumbed to their injuries while the officer’s condition is stated to be stable.
A tweet by the Army’s Kashmir-based Chinar Corps said that it “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”.
The official added that one Pakistani and one local terrorist have been killed and the operation is on.
Earlier, based on an intelligence input from Jammu and Kashmir police, a joint search operation was launched by the Army, CRPF and police in Guddar forest of Kulgam.
Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and were met with gunfire when they challenged the terrorists.
Initial reports indicate one of the neutralised terrorists was a local, while the second is believed to be a foreign militant with the code name ‘Rehman Bhai’.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited the encounter site in Guddar, where he praised the joint operation led by the Army.
The official added that Despite heavy rain and dense foliage, the operation continued throughout the day and is expected to go on through the night. There is a possibility of more terrorists. Searches are on and the operation will continue until the area is fully cleared.
Meanwhile, Chinar Corps said that two terrorists were killed in the encounter while a Junior Commissioned Officer sustained injuries. Security forces are working to ascertain the identities of the slain terrorists as the operation continues.
Later in the evening Army wrote 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.”
The operation is being monitored by senior police and Army officials. Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat, also visited the site of the ongoing encounter in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
