Srinagar:  A fierce gun battle broke out on Monday morning between security forces and terrorists in the Gudar forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, resulting in the killing of one terrorist and injuries to an Indian Army junior commissioned officer (JCO).

According to officials, the encounter began after the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a joint cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants. As the forces approached the suspected location, terrorists opened fire, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

The Chinar Corps confirmed that one terrorist was eliminated during the clash while a JCO suffered injuries. The injured officer has been evacuated for treatment, and his condition is being monitored. Security forces have maintained a strong cordon around the forest area, and the operation remains underway to ensure no militant manages to escape.

The Kashmir Zone Police also confirmed the encounter, noting that special operations teams of the police, along with the Army and CRPF, were actively engaged in neutralizing the remaining threat. Reinforcements were rushed to the area as part of the ongoing operation.

Kulgam district has witnessed several encounters in recent months. In August, two terrorists were killed in a separate gunfight in the Akhal area, during which two Army soldiers lost their lives. The district continues to be a focus of counterterrorism operations as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle militant networks.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and further details are expected once the ongoing operation concludes.