By News Desk, State Correspondents • Budgam • Updated: Friday
BUDGAM: In a decisive counter-terror offensive, security forces eliminated a terrorist and recovered an AK-series assault rifle alongside combat stores during an extensive joint operation in the dense heights of the Ashdar Gali region in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
The anti-terror operation, executed through a synchronized effort by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was initiated on Thursday following credible intelligence reports pinpointing terrorist movement in the belt.
Key Developments at a Glance
- Outcome: One unidentified terrorist neutralised.
- Recoveries: One AK assault rifle, ammunition, and other combat stores secured.
- Forces Involved: Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF.
- Current Status: Extensive sanitisation and mop-up operations underway.
According to military authorities, troops deployed in the cordon observed suspicious tactical movement through the rugged terrain of Ashdar Gali. Upon being confronted and challenged by the vigilant forces, the holed-up terrorists opened heavy fire in an attempt to breach the perimeter.
“The troops effectively retaliated, sparking an intense exchange of fire. In the ensuing engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, and a cache consisting of an AK rifle along with war-like stores was recovered from the contact site,” security officials confirmed.
To evaluate the operational landscape firsthand, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar (IPS), reached the operational vicinity in Budgam. The senior police commander reviewed perimeter defense arrangements, tactical deployment, and instructed field commanders on sustaining sanitisation sweeps across adjoining forest patches.
Security contingents remain heavily deployed across the wider Ashdar Gali area, methodically sweeping the topography to rule out the presence of any lingering threats or associated underground elements.
The search operation was still in progress at the time of publication. Further details awaited.
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