One militant killed in Budgam encounter during Operation Ashdar, search continues

New Delhi: One militant was killed during Operation Ashdar in Jammu &  Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday after security forces launched a joint search on the basis of a specific intelligence input. A Kalashnikov rifle and other war like stores were recovered from the site, while the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) continued searches in the Ashdar Gali area.

The Srinagar based Chinar Corps said troops carrying out the operation noticed suspicious activity and challenged the militants. The militant opened fire, triggering an exchange in which one militant was “neutralized”, according to the Army.

The slain militant remained unidentified at the time of the latest official update. The Army had also not disclosed the individual’s nationality or affiliation with any terrorist organization.

Security forces launch joint operation in Ashdar Gali

Operation Ashdar was launched jointly by the Army, Police and CRPF in the general area of Ashdar Gali following a specific intelligence input. According to the Chinar Corps, troops observed suspicious activity during the search and challenged the militants, who responded by opening fire.

Security forces returned fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire in the forested area. The operation continued into Friday as troops maintained the cordon and intensified searches following the initial contact.

The Indian Express reported that a brief exchange of fire had taken place on Thursday during a cordon and search operation before security forces tightened the cordon overnight. Fresh contact was established during intensified searches on Friday.

Some media, citing officials, reported that the operation followed information about the movement of suspected terrorists towards the Yousmarg area. The Chinar Corps did not include this detail in its public statement, and the Army has not officially disclosed how many terrorists were initially believed to be present.

Search operation continues

Security forces continued combing the Ashdar Gali area after the gunfight, with the Chinar Corps stating that the search operation remained in progress. Akashvani also reported on Friday evening that searches were continuing in the area.

Media reports suggested that more militants could still be present in the forest. The New Indian Express reported that another militant was believed to be hiding in the area, while Indian Express said security forces suspected that one or two militants could still be trapped in the forests.

Those assessments, however, have not been confirmed in the Army’s public statement. The number of militants who may still be present in the area therefore remains unverified.

Security forces were continuing searches and sanitization of the forested belt as of the latest confirmed update on Friday evening. No official announcement had been made declaring Operation Ashdar concluded.