One Terrorist Killed In Kulgam Encounter During Broader Crackdown On Terror Network In J&K

A terrorist was killed on Saturday during an encounter with security forces in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir.

The operation was launched on Friday after intelligence reports indicated a terrorist presence in the area.

A Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was initiated by joint security forces, leading to an exchange of fire.

“Exchange of fire between the joint forces and the hiding terrorists is taking place, and one terrorist has been killed in this ongoing operation so far. The identity and other details of the slain terrorist will be ascertained after the operation is concluded,” officials said.

Security forces are intensifying counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. They are focusing on interior regions to dismantle terrorist networks. The Indian Army remains on high alert along the Line of Control to prevent infiltration.

These efforts, however, follow the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

On 28 July, three Pakistani terrorists were killed in the high-altitude terrain of Dachigam National Park. They included Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Suleman Shah and his associates Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai.

The operation, named ‘Operation Mahadev’, was carried out in Srinagar’s Harwan area.

After the Pahalgam attack, joint forces have, however, intensified operations across the region. They are targeting terrorists, overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers to break support networks.

The crackdown also includes drug smugglers and peddlers. Authorities suspect that narcotics money and hawala channels are funding terrorist activities.

These intelligence-led operations signal a strategic shift aimed at dismantling the broader ecosystem that supports terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

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