J&K on High Alert: 2 Terrorists Neutralized in Fresh Encounter, Days After Pahalgam Attackers Eliminated
In a swift and high-stakes operation, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir neutralized two terrorists in a fierce encounter on Tuesday — just days after the gunmen responsible for the Pahalgam ambush were gunned down in a similar counter-terrorism effort. The latest operation underlines the Indian Army’s heightened vigil and zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism, as the Valley witnesses a renewed wave of militancy in recent weeks.
Where the Encounter Happened
The encounter occurred in the Kulgam district of South Kashmir, a region that has long been a hotspot for terror outfits operating in the valley. Acting on credible intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Frisal area late Monday night. The terrorists, believed to be hiding in a residential structure, opened fire as security personnel closed in, triggering a prolonged gun battle that lasted several hours.
Encounter Highlights: A Brief Timeline
- 9:30 PM, Monday – Security forces initiate cordon-and-search after inputs from local intelligence units.
- 10:15 PM – First shots fired by hiding militants; forces retaliate and call for reinforcement.
- 2:30 AM, Tuesday – One terrorist killed after heavy exchange of fire.
- 5:00 AM – Second terrorist gunned down as house-to-house searches intensify.
- 7:00 AM – Operation called off; area declared clear.
Identities and Affiliations of the Terrorists
According to officials, the slain terrorists were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), one of the most active Pakistan-backed terror outfits in Kashmir. One of them has been tentatively identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a Category B militant from Anantnag district who had been on the radar for his involvement in recruitment and logistics support for newly inducted cadres.
The second terrorist is believed to be a foreign national, likely from Pakistan, although forensic verification is underway. Weapons, IEDs, Pakistani currency, and communication devices were recovered from the encounter site, indicating their intent to launch a major terror attack in the region.
Aftermath of Pahalgam Ambush: Retaliation in Full Swing
This encounter comes just four days after security forces eliminated the terrorists responsible for the deadly ambush near Pahalgam, where three Army personnel were martyred. That operation, hailed as a major counter-terror breakthrough, triggered a massive combing drive across southern Kashmir — with multiple search and intelligence units mobilized to break the back of local terror modules.
Officials suggest that the current operation is part of a larger crackdown aimed at decimating sleeper cells and intercepting infiltration routes before Independence Day, which often sees increased terror activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security Forces on Alert: Multi-Layered Strategy in Place
Security in J&K has been ramped up considerably, especially after a recent spike in cross-border infiltration attempts. Forces have activated:
- Night vision drone surveillance across forested areas
- Sniper patrols and road ambush squads on NH-44 and key transit points
- High-level coordination between Army, local police, and intelligence wings
- Increased vigil across the Amarnath Yatra route and religious pilgrimage corridors
A senior official from the Indian Army stated:
“These neutralizations are part of a sustained effort. We will not allow foreign terrorists or their handlers to disrupt peace and stability in the Valley.”
Political Reactions and Public Response
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the efforts of security forces, saying:
“Our brave soldiers continue to show unmatched courage and professionalism in eliminating threats to national security. The entire nation stands with them.”
While the local population has largely remained cooperative, some areas experienced temporary restrictions on movement and mobile connectivity during the operation to avoid misinformation and panic.
What This Means: A Message to Terror Networks
The back-to-back encounters send a strong and clear message to terror outfits operating within and outside Indian borders — India’s new counter-insurgency doctrine is swift, intelligence-driven, and uncompromising. These operations are also expected to disrupt terror recruitment pipelines, especially as many recent recruits have been teenagers misled through online propaganda.
With the G20 summit’s tourism boost and international spotlight on Kashmir, authorities are keen to ensure that the fragile but improving security climate is not derailed by proxy violence.
Two More Down, But the Mission Continues
The killing of two more terrorists in Kashmir reflects a resurgent and resolute security apparatus, determined to push back against attempts to destabilize the region. As the countdown to India’s Independence Day begins, intelligence agencies remain on their toes, and counter-terror operations are expected to intensify.
For now, peace holds — but in a region where threats often emerge without warning, the forces remain ever vigilant, with fingers on the pulse and boots on the ground. READ TREND
