The exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists continues, with reinforcements dispatched to the area.
An encounter is underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where security forces have cornered three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, officials confirmed on Sunday. The operation began Saturday evening in the Pathanateer area of Mendhar sub-division, following a cordon-and-search mission launched by police and Army personnel based on intelligence reports.
This gunfight follows a similar operation in Baramulla district, where three terrorists were killed on Saturday. That operation, which began late Friday night in Chak Taper Kreeri Pattan, concluded the following afternoon. These clashes occurred just a day after two Indian Army soldiers were killed and two others injured during a gunbattle with terrorists in Kishtwar’s Chatroo village.
These back-to-back encounters come as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for the first phase of Assembly elections, scheduled for September 18, with eight Assembly constituencies in the Chenab Valley and 16 in South Kashmir set to vote. The second and third election phases will take place in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts on September 25 and October 1, respectively.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large rally in Doda district on Saturday, marking his first visit to the region in 42 years. As security forces continue to exchange fire with the trapped Poonch terrorists, reinforcements have been deployed, and updates on the operation are awaited.