New Delhi: Security forces were engaged in a gunfight with suspected terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kupwara district early Saturday after detecting suspicious movement near the Line of Control (LoC). The exchange of fire was reported in the Jumgund forest area of the Keran sector in north Kashmir.
Troops challenged the suspected infiltrators and the encounter took place at about 3.30am, after which security forces launched a search operation in the area, according to the Tribune.
It remains unclear whether the incident was linked to an infiltration attempt. Further details are awaited, and no official statement on the encounter has been released so far.
The encounter comes amid continuing antiterror operations in Kupwara, an important district that borders the LoC. Security forces have been conducting intelligence-based operations in the region to track the movements of suspected militants and their support network.
Earlier terror hideout busted in Kupwara
Earlier this month, RNA Media reported a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police that led to the discovery of a terrorist hideout in the Warsun area of Kupwara. The operation followed intelligence about the movement of a suspected individual, prompting security personnel to set up a mobile vehicle check post at Dardsun Chowk on October 7.
During the checking, security personnel apprehended Shakeel Ahmed Khan, a resident of Mersary in Chowkibal, and recovered a Chinese-made pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 100 rounds of AK ammunition. During questioning, he allegedly disclosed the location of a concealed hideout in the Brijthor Ridge area.
A subsequent search operation in the Brijthor forest area during the intervening night of October 7 and 8 led to the recovery of two AK-series rifles, four disposable rocket launchers, 2,200 rounds of AK ammunition, 901 rounds of Pika ammunition and other war-like stores, according to the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps.
The operation targeted terrorist support infrastructure in the district. Details about Saturday’s encounter, including possible casualties or recoveries, are awaited.