SECURITY FORCES NEUTRALIZE ONE TERRORIST IN JOINT BUDGAM OPERATION; SEARCHES UNDERWAY FOR REMAINING SUSPECTS

September 5, 2026

SRINAGAR: Security forces neutralized one terrorist on Friday during an intense gunfight in the forested Ashdar Gali area of central Kashmir's Budgam district, as joint counter-insurgency operations continued to comb the rugged terrain.

Key Aspects of the Budgam Encounter and Operation

·         Joint Operational Push: The intelligence-led operation was launched by the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF following specific inputs regarding the movement of a suspected militant group traversing from Pulwama toward the Yousmarg-Doodhpathri region.

·         Firefight and Recovery: Upon encountering vigilant troops and being challenged, the hidden suspects opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. Security forces neutralized one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle alongside other warlike stores from the site.

·         Ongoing Combing Operations: Security cordons remain active across the dense forest tract as reinforcement units track at least one remaining suspect believed to be holed up in the higher reaches. Local authorities have temporarily advised visitors and tourists to avoid the immediate Yusmarg-Doodhpathri vicinity while sanitization sweeps continue.