Budgam Encounter: One Terrorist Killed in Operation Ashdar

Security forces killed one suspected terrorist in a forested area of Budgam during Operation Ashdar, while a search continues for another militant believed to be hiding nearby.

Terrorist Killed In Budgam

One suspected terrorist was killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, officials said.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Ashdar Gali area.

The encounter followed intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected terrorists through the forested region towards Yousmarg.

The Army's Chinar Corps said troops detected suspicious movement during the search operation and challenged the suspected militants. The militants responded with gunfire, triggering an exchange of fire.

Operation Ashdar Launched

Security forces launched Operation Ashdar on Thursday after receiving specific intelligence regarding the suspected movement of a group of terrorists from the Pakherpora area of Pulwama towards Yousmarg.

Army personnel, J&K Police and CRPF teams established a cordon and began searches through the densely forested terrain.

The operation continued into Friday as troops searched possible hiding locations in the area.

Officials said the operation remains active and further details will be released after the security assessment is completed.

AK Rifle Recovered

According to the Army, one terrorist was neutralised during the exchange of fire.

An AK-series rifle and other war-like stores were recovered from the encounter site, officials said.

The identity of the slain terrorist has not yet been established. Security agencies are expected to conduct further verification to determine the individual's identity and possible affiliations.

Officials have not publicly released details about the organisation to which the slain militant may have belonged.

Search For Another Militant

Security forces believe another suspected terrorist could still be hiding in the surrounding forest.

Additional troops have been deployed to strengthen the cordon and prevent any possible escape from the area.

The dense vegetation and difficult terrain have made the search operation challenging. Security personnel are conducting searches cautiously to locate the suspected militant.

The Chinar Corps said the operation was continuing as of Friday evening.

Doodhpathri Tourists Advised

The encounter area is located near Doodhpathri, a popular tourist destination in Budgam.

Authorities have advised tourists and visitors to avoid the affected area until the security operation is completed.

The precaution is intended to keep civilians away from areas where security forces are still conducting searches and where the possibility of further contact with militants cannot be ruled out.

Local authorities are monitoring the situation and coordinating with security agencies.

Searches Across Forest Belt

Security forces are also maintaining heightened vigilance across the wider forest belt of the Pir Panjal range.

The forested terrain extends towards several districts, including Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Pulwama and Shopian.

Such areas have previously been used by militants to move between districts and evade security forces because of their difficult terrain and extensive forest cover.

The latest operation is part of continuing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at tracking suspected militant movements in south and central Kashmir.

What Happens Next

The immediate priority for security forces is to locate the second suspected terrorist and complete the search of the encounter zone.

The Army and police are likely to continue combing the surrounding forests until they are satisfied that no militant remains concealed in the area.

Security agencies will also examine the recovered weapon and other material for clues about the slain terrorist's identity, network and recent movements.

For residents and tourists, restrictions around the encounter zone are expected to remain until the operation is formally concluded.

The Budgam encounter highlights the continuing security challenges posed by suspected militant movements through Kashmir's forested terrain, particularly along routes connecting the southern districts with the Pir Panjal region.