Synopsis
On March 17, an encounter between security forces and terrorists unfolded in Kupwara, J&K, following intelligence reports. A joint operation is in effect as authorities seal the area, advising civilians to stay safe indoors. The situation remains active, with updates expected as the operation progresses.Key Takeaways
- Encounter between security forces and terrorists in Kupwara.
- Intelligence-led operation initiated in Krumbhoora village.
- Two to three terrorists reported holed up in the area.
- Authorities have sealed off the region for safety.
- Union Home Minister emphasizes zero tolerance towards terrorism.
Srinagar, March 17 (NationPress) A confrontation has erupted between security forces and concealed terrorists in Kupwara district, located in North Kashmir, on Monday.
According to officials, based on intelligence reports regarding the presence of terrorists in the Krumbhoora (Zachaldara) village within the Rajwar sector of the district, security forces commenced a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO).
“As security forces advanced towards the location of the hiding terrorists, the militants opened fire, initiating an ongoing encounter. Reports suggest that two to three terrorists are currently trapped in the cordoned area. All potential escape routes for the terrorists are being secured,” the officials stated.
A coordinated effort is underway involving a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) to neutralize the threat.
The area has been sealed off by authorities, with additional reinforcements deployed to facilitate a successful operation. Civilians in the vicinity have been urged to remain indoors and avoid the area around the encounter site for their safety.
The situation remains dynamic and under strict observation, according to officials.
Further updates will be provided as the operation continues. Security agencies are expected to release press statements as more information becomes available.
Terrorists, acting under the directives of their handlers stationed across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), have intensified their activities.
Intelligence agencies suspect that the upcoming peaceful and participative Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in 2024 have frustrated the terror handlers in Pakistan.
Recently, terrorists took the lives of three innocent civilians in the Kathua district, including a 14-year-old boy.
The remains of two out of three civilians who went missing from the Qazigund area of the Kulgam district on February 14 have been recovered.
These civilians, hailing from the Rajouri district of the Jammu division, were working as laborers in the Valley.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has presided over three security review meetings concerning J&K since the start of 2025.
He has issued explicit orders to security forces to ensure zero infiltration and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorists and their sympathizers in the union territory.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has also led two consecutive security review meetings, one held in Srinagar and the other in Jammu. The L-G has instructed police and security forces to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism, including terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.
The L-G emphasized that funds originating from drug smuggling, drug trafficking, and hawala operations are ultimately utilized to sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and the fight against terror cannot be won in isolation unless these funding channels are eliminated.
