One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Arahama area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, officials said on Tuesday, adding that the operation is still in progress.
A senior police officer confirmed the development, while the Indian Army also confirmed the killing in a post on the official X handle of the Chinar Corps.
In a post, the Army said, “OP ARAHAMA: Update – During the night of March 31, the cordon was tactically reorganised amid intermittent firing. Our troops responded effectively with a calibrated approach, resulting in one terrorist being eliminated. Operation is in progress.”
Reports said security forces are proceeding cautiously as the operation continues in the dense forest area, where the possibility of more militants cannot be ruled out.
The joint operation was launched late Monday evening after the Jammu and Kashmir Police received specific intelligence inputs about the movement of terrorists in the upper reaches of the Arahama forests. Following the inputs, a coordinated search operation was launched by the police, the Army and the CRPF.
During the initial phase of the operation, an exchange of fire took place between the terrorists and the security forces. The gunfight lasted for several minutes before the firing stopped, after which forces began a detailed search of the area.
A senior police official said that although the body of a terrorist and a weapon have been spotted, the thick forest terrain is making the operation difficult. He added that the forces are advancing carefully to prevent any casualties.
According to preliminary intelligence inputs, two to three terrorists were believed to be present in the area. While one has been neutralised, officials said it is possible that others may have escaped under the cover of darkness. However, this has not been officially confirmed and search operations are continuing.
Officials said this is the first encounter reported in the Kashmir Valley this year after a gap of nearly four months.
