In the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces engaged in a fierce firefight with terrorists overnight, according to officials. The confrontation occurred in the Pathanateer area of Gursai Top in Mendhar tehsil, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of a terrorist group.
The Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, initiated a cordon and search operation on Saturday evening. As the security forces tightened their perimeter, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an ongoing encounter.
“Intermittent exchanges of fire are continuing in the area,” an official reported. Authorities have deployed reinforcements to bolster the security forces’ strength.
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This operation comes in the lead-up to the second phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September 25. Voters in the Poonch and Rajouri districts will head to the polls during this phase.
Over the past two months, the hilly regions of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur have experienced a series of terrorist attacks targeting the Army, security forces, and civilians. Reports indicate that a group of 40 to 50 foreign terrorists is behind these incidents. In response, the Army has deployed over 4,000 elite Para commandos and specialists trained in mountain warfare to these densely forested areas.
Terrorists have utilized the element of surprise in their ambushes, but the combined deployment of the Army and CRPF, alongside strengthened local village defense committees, has significantly reduced their operational effectiveness.
As the security forces intensify their efforts, terrorists are increasingly encountering direct engagements rather than executing stealth attacks. “Either they are neutralized in these encounters or they remain on the run, which hampers their ability to launch surprise attacks,” noted a senior police officer.
The upcoming Assembly polls will see voting in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Poonch, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu, and Samba districts on September 25 and October 1 for the second and third phases, respectively.
