Kulgam Encounter Update: 2 Terrorists Killed, 5 Security Personnel Injured, Operation Ongoing

In a fierce encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, two terrorists have been neutralized and five security personnel, including three army soldiers and a police officer, have sustained injuries. The operation is still underway, with official details awaited.

According to police reports, security forces received intelligence late Friday night about the movement of terrorists in the Arigam area. Upon reaching the location, the forces came under fire, triggering a gunfight. Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi confirmed the injuries but noted that the condition of the injured personnel is stable.

Speaking about the ongoing operation, IGP Birdi said, “Late last night, we received information about terrorist movement in the Arigam area. When security forces reached the spot, firing ensued, leading to an encounter that is still ongoing. Three army personnel and one police officer have sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition. The operation will take some time to conclude, and more information will be provided once it is completed.”

The encounter, which began in the Adigam Devsar area of Kulgam, continued into Saturday morning. The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps and the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs.

This development coincides with the ongoing assembly elections in the Union Territory. Elections are being conducted in three phases, with the first phase held on September 18 and the second on September 25, covering districts such as Ganderbal, Budgam, Srinagar, Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch. The final phase is scheduled for October 1, and the counting of votes will take place on October 8. This is the first assembly election in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 and the first in ten years.