Srinagar — In a significant escalation of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, two unidentified terrorists were killed during an encounter in the Larnoo forest area of Anantnag district on Saturday. The confrontation occurred while security forces remained engaged in a separate firefight with holed-up militants in the downtown area of Srinagar.
Officials confirmed the deaths of the militants in Anantnag, stating, “The exact identity of the slain militants would be ascertained after the operation in the area ends.” The operation was launched following credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the region.
Simultaneously, an ongoing encounter in Srinagar’s Khanyar area has raised concerns, marking the first such incident in over a decade within the old downtown sector of the city, previously known for its separatist sentiments. Officials reported that as security forces closed in on the hiding terrorists, the latter opened fire, prompting a prolonged exchange.
“This area was once a hotbed for militants, and while we have made significant progress in eliminating militancy, the resurgence of such encounters is alarming,” an official remarked. The downtown region of Srinagar was believed to have been largely cleared of active militant presence, a perception that was challenged by the recent outbreak of gunfire.
In a related incident, on Friday, terrorists injured two non-local laborers, Sanjay and Usman, both from Uttar Pradesh, in Mazhama village of the Budgam district. The workers were promptly taken to a hospital, where their condition was reported as stable.
The resurgence of violence follows a series of attacks in the region, including a horrific incident last month where terrorists killed seven unarmed workers in Gagangir, Ganderbal district, who were engaged in constructing a vital tunnel to enhance connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist resort. Among those killed were six non-local workers and a local doctor.
Further complicating the security situation, terrorists recently ambushed military personnel in Gulmarg, resulting in the deaths of three army soldiers and two porters.
As security forces intensify operations in response to these developments, the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, with increasing calls for vigilance from local authorities and communities alike.