An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in North Kashmir’s Nagmarg area on Tuesday. The gunbattle began during a joint cordon and search operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, based on intelligence reports about the terrorists’ presence in the area. The terrorists, believed to number two or three, opened indiscriminate fire after being challenged by the forces, prompting a retaliation. As of now, the operation is still ongoing.
The 15 Corps of the Indian Army posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the operation: “On 12 Nov 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in general area Nagmarg of Bandipora. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress.”
This encounter follows a tragic event earlier in the week. On Sunday, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, a junior commissioner officer (JCO) from the Indian Army’s 2 Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Barnog village in Himachal Pradesh, is survived by his wife, children, and mother.
This year, security forces have faced a high number of casualties in the region, with 16 security personnel, 10 civilians, and three VDGs losing their lives in separate attacks across Jammu. In Kashmir, nine security personnel and 15 civilians have been killed in terrorist attacks, while security forces have eliminated 24 terrorists in the Valley during the same period.
