Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Sep 9: The two-day-long gunfight between security forces and terrorists in the Guddar forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district ended on Tuesday after two soldiers, including a JCO, were killed in action and as many terrorists were shot dead, officials said.
An said that the encounter began on Monday morning when a joint team of Police, Army’s 9 RR, elite Para Special Forces and CRPF personnel launched a search operation in the Guddar forest area.
He said the operation was launched on specific police input about the presence of 2–3 terrorists in the area. As the searches were underway, terrorists opened fire on the forces, which was retaliated to, triggering a gunfight.
In the initial exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed while three Army personnel, including a JCO, sustained injuries. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital, where two of them, including the JCO, succumbed. The condition of another injured Army officer is said to be stable.
As the searches continued, security forces again engaged the hiding terrorists. Another terrorist was killed in the gunfight, taking the toll to two.
“The operation ended this afternoon after a final round of searches,” the official said.
The soldiers killed in action were identified as Subedar (JCO) Prabhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu.
“The Army honours the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts in the line of duty. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families,” a Chinar Corps spokesman said.
Meanwhile, security forces also busted a hideout in the forest, recovering an INSAS rifle and other incriminating material. Officials said the slain terrorists had been using the hideout to survive in the dense jungles.
One of the killed terrorists was a Pakistani national operating under the code name Rehman Bhai, while the other was identified as Aamir Bashir of Shopian, who had joined terrorist ranks two years ago. Both were affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit, officials added.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of law.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the brave army personnel Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, who made supreme sacrifice in the ongoing operations against terrorists in Kulgam.
“I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army Bravehearts Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu. Their valour and indomitable spirit will remain etched forever in our hearts. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also laid the wreath and paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who made ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during the Kulgam encounter.
Expressing profound sorrow over the loss, the Chief Minister said that the exemplary courage, unwavering valour, and ultimate sacrifice of these soldiers will be eternally remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
The Chief Minister further affirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the families of martyrs and their continued support in all circumstances.
