Kashmir: In a significant operation by security forces in Kashmir, six terrorists were neutralized in two separate clashes in the Kulgam district over a span of 28 hours. The first clash began around 1:20 PM in the Matergam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, followed by a second clash in Firsal, Kulgam, at approximately 2:30 PM on June 6, 2024.
The terrorists killed in Firsal Kulgam were identified as Tawheed Ahmad Rather from Awdora, Zahid Ahmad Dar from Dassand, Yawar Bashir Dar from Redwani, and Shakeel Ahmad Wani from Khuri Batpora. All four were local terrorists associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a faction of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organization. Despite being outlawed, LeT continues to receive support from Pakistan, aiming to fortify terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the sustained efforts of security forces under Operation All-Out have thwarted these plans, resulting in the elimination of terrorists and the arrest of over-ground workers (OGWs), leading to significant improvements in the region’s situation. Unfortunately, the operation also resulted in the loss of an army soldier, identified as Havaldar Raj Kumar of 1 RR Kulgam.
In the Matergam clash, two terrorists engaged security forces in a firefight. An army soldier, Lance Naik Pradeep Nain, a para commando, was critically injured during the initial exchange of fire and later succumbed to his injuries at BB Cantt Army Hospital. The terrorists killed in Matergam Kulgam encounter were identified as Amir and Faisal, both residents of Shopian district in South Kashmir.
Two brave army jawans were martyred while combating terrorists in the Kulgam region. Their supreme sacrifice has been honored with deep sorrow and respect. The Army paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen heroes, highlighting their dedication and bravery in the line of duty. The Chief Secretary of UT Jammu & Kashmir, accompanied by the Director General of Police and other dignitaries, solemnly paid homage to Lance Naik Pardeep Kumar and Sepoy Pravin Janjal Prabhakar. The brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Kulgam, exemplifying unwavering dedication and courage in their duties. Their selfless commitment and sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored by the nation.
The clashes were strategically important due to their proximity to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a route frequently used for the Shree Amarnath Yatra. Terrorists often target this pilgrimage, and security forces had received credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in these areas. Acting on this information, a joint team of security forces cordoned off the locations and initiated searches. As they approached, terrorists opened fire, prompting the security forces to retaliate.
Both clash sites were in residential areas, and security forces first ensured the safety of civilians by relocating them to safer locations before engaging the terrorists. Despite continuous gunfire from the terrorists, security forces managed to neutralize six terrorists, though two soldiers were martyred in the process.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi, confirmed the successful operations and the soldiers’ martyrdom with ITV Network. He stated that operations are over with the killing of six terrorists in the two areas of Kulgam District.
DGP RR Swain described the operations as a substantial victory, stating, “According to confirmation, encounters have happened at two different sites. Six terrorists have been neutralized.” Speaking to ITV Network, DGP Swain emphasized the importance of such victories, noting, “Undoubtedly, this is a significant milestone for the security forces, and these successes are crucial in bolstering the security environment.”
He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the local population, mentioning that the community is actively participating in the fight against terrorism. “People are coming together to end terrorism, and the operations are gaining momentum,” Swain added.
These operations underscore the continuous efforts of security forces to maintain peace and security in the region, balancing the safety of civilians and property while confronting terrorist threats. The improved security situation is reflected in the successful Lok Sabha polls, the smooth conduct of the Shree Amarnath Yatra, and a record-breaking surge in tourism, which has reached levels unseen in the past 30 to 35 years. However, these developments have not gone unnoticed by terrorists based in Pakistan, who continue to attempt to destabilize the region. Despite these challenges, the security forces remain committed to thwarting their plans and ensuring the safety and security of the region.
Kulgam, previously a terrorist stronghold, has become a tourist hotspot since 2019. However, renewed attempts by Pakistan to re-establish terrorist activities in the region have led to increased conflict. Security forces in Kashmir have recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from two separate encounter sites. The recovery operation has been completed in both encounter sites with proper sanitization.
Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in 2019, encounters in Kashmir often resulted in civilian casualties. Pakistani influences frequently agitated local youths, leading to incidents of stone-pelting that posed immense challenges for security forces tasked with maintaining law and order while conducting operations.
Since the removal of these constitutional provisions, there has been a notable shift in the region’s dynamics. The exposure of Pakistan’s disruptive activities has provided local youth with a clearer understanding, prompting widespread public condemnation and protests against Pakistani-sponsored terrorism.
The latest recovery operation underscores the ongoing efforts of security forces to ensure the safety and stability of Kashmir. The authorities continue to urge locals to avoid the encounter sites until sanitization efforts are completed, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in maintaining peace in the region.