Bandipora (Jammu and Kashmir), April 25, 2025 — A fierce encounter broke out in the Kulnar Bazipora area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday morning, just days after the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The operation comes as part of intensified counter-terrorism activities launched by Indian security forces in response to growing security threats along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterlands of Jammu and Kashmir.
The encounter began around 6:30 AM when a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) launched a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) based on credible intelligence about terrorist movement in the region. As the security forces closed in on a suspected hideout, they were met with heavy gunfire from hiding militants, triggering a prolonged exchange.
Details of the Operation
According to military sources, the terrorists were believed to be hiding in a dense orchard zone near residential structures in Kulnar. The area was immediately sealed off, and drone surveillance was deployed for situational awareness. Initial reports confirm that two security personnel sustained injuries during the initial phase of the gunfight. They were swiftly evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar and are reported to be out of danger.
Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and loud explosions, indicative of the intense nature of the engagement. Bulletproof vehicles and reinforcements were rushed to the spot to secure the outer perimeter and prevent any escape attempts by the militants. Intermittent firing continued well into the afternoon.
Heightened Security Environment
This is the third major encounter in the Kashmir Valley in the past 72 hours, pointing to a noticeable spike in terrorist infiltration attempts and sleeper cell activations. The operations come in the aftermath of the brutal Pahalgam attack on April 22, where 26 Indian and foreign tourists were killed in a premeditated strike by a suspected Pakistan-backed terror module.
The recent notification from Pakistan regarding a surface-to-surface missile test near the Karachi coast further raised tensions, compelling Indian defense and security establishments to remain on the highest state of readiness. The Indo-Pak border and LoC areas have seen increased patrolling and aerial monitoring since then.
Police and Army Statements
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the engagement:
“Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police was launched in Kolnar, Ajas (Bandipora). Contact with terrorists established; firefight is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has appealed to citizens in and around Bandipora to remain indoors and not attempt to approach the encounter site, as the operation is still active and dangerous.
Operational Objectives
Top intelligence officials suspect that the militants involved in the Bandipora encounter could be part of the same network responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Their goal could include disrupting upcoming political events or targeting strategic installations. Agencies are now focusing on intercepting communication signals and checking digital trail records to map broader links.
Security forces are also employing night-vision equipment and sniffer dogs as the combing operation continues into forested regions nearby. Senior officers from the police and Army are monitoring the situation closely from the ground.
Conclusion:
The ongoing encounter in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir is yet another grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. With heightened security protocols in place across the Union Territory, today’s face-off between security forces and suspected militants reflects both the volatility of the terrain and the unwavering commitment of Indian forces to eliminate insurgent elements.
Over the past few months, incidents such as the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistan’s missile testing near its maritime boundary, and cross-border violations along the Line of Control have amplified tensions in the region. These developments have collectively prompted Indian security establishments to maintain an elevated alert level, especially in areas like North Kashmir, which have historically witnessed militant activity.
The Bandipora encounter serves as part of a broader counter-insurgency effort, ensuring that any attempts to disrupt peace, particularly in the lead-up to major festivals or political events, are neutralized swiftly. Civilian safety remains a top priority, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors and avoid the operation site.
With strategic intelligence inputs and swift tactical response, the Indian Army and paramilitary forces continue to act as the backbone of national security in the Valley. Their actions today in Bandipora are not only a deterrent to terrorist ambitions but also a strong message to anti-national elements attempting to exploit regional unrest.
For verified updates, refer to the Ministry of Home Affairs official website.
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