J&K: Security Forces Eliminate 3 Terrorists in Pulwama Gunfight

J&K : Security forces gunned down three terrorists during an encounter in the Nader Tral area of Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday morning. The gunfight erupted after a joint team of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the region.

According to security sources, the militants belonged to the proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, which has been active in the region for decades and is responsible for multiple attacks on security forces and civilians. The encounter began when the terrorists opened fire on the search party, prompting retaliatory action by the forces. The area was quickly sealed off to prevent the terrorists from escaping, and a sustained exchange of fire ensued.

“All three terrorists were neutralized in the operation. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site,” said a senior police officer involved in the operation. He added that efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the slain terrorists.

Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire early in the morning, following which security forces imposed restrictions in nearby areas to ensure the safety of civilians and to maintain law and order.

The operation is being hailed as a significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in south Kashmir, which has seen increased anti-militancy activity in recent months. Officials noted that the presence of militants in Tral, once considered a Hizbul stronghold, has significantly diminished due to continuous and targeted operations by the security forces.

In a brief statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said, “An encounter broke out in the Nader area of Tral this morning. Three terrorists were killed. Searches are still ongoing in the area.”

This latest encounter comes amid heightened security measures in the Valley ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and follows a series of recent encounters in south Kashmir.