Terrorist Neutralised in Fierce Kulgam Encounter, Says Army

Srinagar, August 2, 2025:
A fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district early Friday, leading to the neutralisation of one terrorist so far. According to the Indian Army, the operation, which started late Thursday night, remains active as at least two other terrorists are believed to be hiding in the area.

The encounter began after a joint operation by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police acting on specific intelligence reports about the presence of a terrorist group in the Modergam area of Kulgam. When security forces closed in, the terrorists opened fire, resulting in an intense exchange.

“During the operation, one terrorist was neutralised. The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorist are yet to be confirmed,” an Army spokesperson said. The search continues for the remaining terrorists who, officials believe, are still cornered inside a residential structure.

Night-long exchange of fire 

Locals reported that they heard sustained gunfire and loud explosions overnight as security forces tightened the cordon to prevent them from escaping. “We have credible inputs suggesting there are more terrorists hiding in the area,” a senior police officer stated.

Security forces exercised caution to avoid civilian casualties, as terrorists often shift positions within dense residential areas, making operations challenging.

Recovered weapons 

From the neutralised terrorist, security forces recovered an AK-series rifle, several magazines, and grenades. Officials said the seized weapons and documents might reveal their background and connections to other terrorist cells operating in south Kashmir.

Forensic teams have been deployed to analyze evidence from the encounter site, hoping it will help trace the network supporting the terrorists.

Activity in south Kashmir

The encounter reflects a recent rise in such activity across parts of south Kashmir. Over the past few weeks, security forces have faced multiple attacks and attempts by terrorists to infiltrate urban centers. Earlier this month, two terrorists were killed in Shopian and another terrorist was captured alive in Pulwama.

Officials believe these scattered terrorist groups receive logistical support from handlers across the border and aim to disturb peace during the ongoing tourist season.

Operation to track the remaining 

As the encounter site remains under lockdown, additional reinforcements have been sent to assist troops already engaged in flushing out the remaining terrorists. Drone surveillance is being used to monitor possible movement  attempting to relocate or escape.

“The operation will continue until every terrorist hiding in the area is neutralised or apprehended,” an Army official confirmed.

Appeal to locals amid threat

Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors until the operation concludes. Past incidents show that trapped terrorists sometimes try to use civilian homes as shields, increasing the risk for bystanders.

“We appeal to people not to go near the encounter site as there is an active threat from the terrorists still firing intermittently,” a police advisory read.

Fighting the persistent terrorist challenge

Despite regular successes by security forces, small groups of intruders continue to operate in the valley, often hiding in orchards, forests, or village outskirts. Officials reiterated the importance of each neutralised terrorist to the broader fight against terrorism. “Eliminating even one terrorist means saving countless lives from future attacks,” an Army spokesperson added.

Community hopes for end to violence

As the operation continues, residents of Kulgam hope for a swift conclusion and return to normal life, free from the constant threat posed by terrorists. Many locals, weary of repeated gunfights, say they want their towns free of violence so children can go to school without fear.

The encounter serves as another reminder of the security forces’ ongoing mission: to dismantle every network and ensure that no terrorist is left to spread violence in the valley.

With one terrorist neutralised and two more possibly still cornered, security forces remain determined to finish the operation and prevent any further terrorist threat in the region.

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