Srinagar, September 9 – Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district are engaged in a protracted gunfight for the second consecutive day as efforts to neutralize remaining militants continue in the dense Guddar forest region. The high-stakes operation has already resulted in the deaths of two Indian Army soldiers and two terrorists, including one suspected Pakistani national. An Army major sustained injuries during the encounter, though his condition is reported to be stable.
The joint counter-terror operation, involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), began on Monday morning after specific intelligence inputs suggested the presence of armed militants hiding in the Guddar forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The operation quickly escalated into a fierce firefight as troops made contact with the militants.
Search Operation Turns Into Intense Gunfight
According to official sources, the operation was launched following actionable intelligence received by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. As the forces moved into the suspected hideout area, militants opened fire, prompting a retaliatory exchange. The initial contact led to injuries among Indian personnel, including Subedar Perbhat Gaur, Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, and a Major from the Indian Army.
Despite being swiftly evacuated to a military hospital, both Gaur and Sindhu succumbed to their injuries, while the major, whose identity has not been disclosed, is recovering and currently out of danger.
Chinar Corps, the Army formation responsible for counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, issued a statement mourning the loss of the two soldiers. “The Army honours the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts, Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, in the line of duty for the nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us,” the statement read.
Identity of Militants: One Believed to Be Pakistani National
The two terrorists killed in the ongoing operation have not yet been formally identified, but initial assessments from the police and Army sources suggest that one of them was a local militant, while the second is suspected to be a foreign fighter operating under the code name ‘Rehman Bhai’, believed to be a Pakistani national affiliated with a banned terror outfit.
The presence of foreign militants in the region has seen a notable rise in recent months, underscoring the sustained infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC). These individuals are often sent to strengthen the operational capabilities of local militant modules and to attempt high-profile attacks on security forces.
Operation Resumes After Overnight Lull
After an overnight lull, the encounter resumed early Tuesday morning, with security forces tightening the cordon around the suspected hideout areas. Additional reinforcements were rushed in as the terrain and forest cover provided natural advantages to hiding militants. Drone surveillance, sniffer dogs, and thermal imaging devices are being used to scan the area and locate any remaining threats.
A senior official involved in the operation stated that the forested terrain posed significant challenges, requiring meticulous and cautious movement to avoid further casualties. “We are proceeding carefully, given the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers. There are strong indications that at least one more militant could still be hiding,” he said.
High-Level Security Review and DGP’s Visit
As the operation continued into its second day, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited the encounter site in Guddar. He reviewed the ongoing tactical measures and commended the coordination between the Army, Police, and CRPF.
DGP Prabhat hailed the “bravery and professionalism” displayed by the joint teams, emphasising that such collaborative operations are vital for counter-insurgency success in Kashmir. “This encounter reflects the synergy between forces and our resolve to protect the region from the threat of terrorism,” he said during his on-ground assessment.
Tactical Significance of the Kulgam Encounter
Kulgam, a district in south Kashmir, has remained a sensitive zone in the counter-insurgency grid, with frequent reports of militant sightings and movement. Its proximity to other volatile districts like Anantnag and Shopian makes it a strategically important region for both security forces and terror outfits.
The Guddar forest, in particular, has seen periodic use by militants as a transit and hideout point. Thick foliage, difficult terrain, and limited civilian movement make it a preferred location for regrouping and laying low from pursuing forces. Monday’s intelligence-led operation targeted precisely such a group, reinforcing the increased surveillance and operational reach of the security forces.
Rise in Foreign Militant Presence in Kashmir
This encounter marks another instance where a suspected foreign terrorist was found actively operating within Indian territory, reigniting concerns over cross-border infiltration. While overall militant numbers in the valley have declined in recent years due to sustained operations, the threat posed by foreign fighters remains persistent.
Officials say such individuals are often more heavily armed, better trained, and operate under direct guidance from across the border. Their involvement in local operations raises the stakes significantly and often leads to more complex and dangerous encounters, such as the one unfolding in Kulgam.
Families Mourn the Fallen Soldiers
The deaths of Sub Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu have once again brought grief to military families and communities back home. Both soldiers were part of units deployed in high-risk zones and had been involved in multiple operations.
Military officials described them as committed soldiers who exemplified dedication and bravery. “Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Every drop of their blood reinforces our determination to fight and eliminate terrorism from our soil,” an Army spokesperson said.
Arrangements are being made to transport the mortal remains of the fallen soldiers to their native places, where full military honours will be accorded during the last rites.
Ongoing Cordon and Search Operations
As of Tuesday evening, the encounter had not officially been declared over. Security officials have maintained a tight perimeter around the Guddar forest area and are proceeding with caution to eliminate any remaining threats.
A senior police officer confirmed that they are working under the assumption that more militants could still be holed up, considering the scale of resistance encountered on the first day. “We want to ensure there are no surprises. It’s a methodical sweep,” he said.
Authorities are also making efforts to minimise collateral damage, ensuring that no civilian populations are caught in the crossfire. Since the operation is taking place in a forest zone, there has been no reported impact on nearby residential areas, but vigilance remains high.
Regional Security Alert and Precautionary Measures
In the wake of the encounter, security has been stepped up across south Kashmir. Checkpoints have been reinforced, and additional patrols are being carried out in and around the Kulgam district to intercept any potential movements of sympathisers or escaped militants.
The incident has also prompted a review of intelligence sharing mechanisms and deployment strategies across the region. Officials are taking steps to ensure that lessons from this encounter help strengthen future preventive operations.
The ongoing Kulgam encounter, which has already claimed the lives of two Indian soldiers and two terrorists, highlights the continuing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite a relative decline in large-scale attacks in recent years, the presence of foreign militants, evolving tactics, and dense forest hideouts continue to test the preparedness of security forces. As operations in the Guddar forest area stretch into a second day, authorities remain focused on neutralizing the remaining threat with precision and minimal casualties, underscoring their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
