Two Soldiers and Two Terrorists Killed in Jammu and Kashmir Encounter
Two army soldiers, Subedar Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, and two unidentified terrorists were killed during a fierce gunfight in the Gudar forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. The encounter began after security forces launched a joint cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence. One other soldier was injured in the operation. This is the second major encounter in the Kulgam region in just over a month, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the area.
Unpacked:
Kulgam, like several other districts in south Kashmir, has been a hotspot for militant activity due to its geography, history of insurgency, and proximity to infiltration routes. It has witnessed frequent clashes between security forces and militants as part of the ongoing separatist insurgency in the region.
Militant groups active in Jammu and Kashmir include Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. While the specific identity of the killed terrorists in this incident is not confirmed, these groups have historically been involved in similar attacks in the area.
Official data indicates a significant decline in terrorist incidents and casualties since 2015, with a reported 70% reduction in attacks and 80% reduction in civilian deaths compared to the previous decade, although sporadic violence continues.
Frequent encounters cause civilian distress, disrupt daily life, and contribute to a climate of fear. While security operations aim to reduce militancy, they can also lead to property damage, displacement, and strained relations between locals and authorities.