An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday, as a joint operation led by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police intensified in the Nagmarg area. The security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area.
According to official reports, two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped after the gunbattle erupted during the operation. As security forces closed in on the area, the militants reportedly opened fire, prompting an immediate and effective retaliation from the security personnel.
“On 12 Nov 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the general area of Nagmarg, Bandipora. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Our troops effectively retaliated. The operation is still in progress,” the Srinagar 15 Corps stated in an update on X (formerly Twitter).
This incident follows a series of attacks on security forces in the region. On Sunday, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, was killed during a gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. Kumar, a member of the 2 Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), was part of an operation in the Gidri Top area when the clash occurred. He is survived by his wife, children, and mother.
This year, the Jammu region has witnessed the loss of 16 security personnel, 10 civilians, and three Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in separate attacks. In Kashmir, nine personnel and 15 civilians have also died in terror-related incidents. Despite the ongoing threat, security forces have managed to neutralize 37 terrorists in the region thus far in 2024.
As the operation in Bandipora continues, security forces remain on high alert, determined to prevent further terrorist activities in the region. The situation is being closely monitored as both local security agencies and the Indian Army intensify efforts to eliminate the remaining militants.