Security forces on Monday (September 8) engaged in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Guddar forest area of Kulgam district, leading to the elimination of one terrorist. In the exchange of fire, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army sustained injuries.
Officials said the gun battle broke out after troops detected suspicious movement during a joint search operation launched on the basis of intelligence inputs. The operation involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the development in a post on X, stating: “OP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist has been eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries.”
Sources said the injured JCO was immediately moved to a medical facility, where his condition is reported to be stable. Security forces are continuing the search to ensure no more militants remain in the area.
This latest clash comes weeks after a major operation in Kulgam’s Akhal region, where two soldiers—Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh—lost their lives while fighting terrorists. Three militants were neutralised during that encounter.
