Did a Gunfight Erupt in the Forests of Kulgam District, J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gunfight in Kulgam district highlights ongoing security challenges.
- Joint forces are conducting a Cordon and Search Operation in response to terrorist threats.
- Intensified efforts target both terrorists and their support networks.
- Use of drones by terrorists poses new challenges for security forces.
- Connection between drug smuggling and terrorism remains a critical concern.
Srinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) A fierce gunfight erupted on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Kulgam district as security forces engaged with terrorists. According to officials, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was initiated in the Gudar forest region after receiving intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.
“Upon the approach of the joint forces, the hiding terrorists opened fire, leading to the commencement of an encounter. As of the last reports, the firing was still ongoing in the area,” officials mentioned.
The joint forces have intensified their anti-terrorist operations in J&K, targeting not only the terrorists but also their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathizers.
Security forces assert that to effectively dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory, it is essential to focus on eliminating not just the armed terrorists but also those who aid in sustaining terrorism.
Following the suspension of 'Operation Sindoor', there have been increased attempts by terrorists to infiltrate J&K from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).
J&K is safeguarded by a 740-kilometer-long LoC, monitored by the Army. In addition, the BSF protects nearly 240 kilometers of the International Border in the districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua.
Terrorist groups, with support from Pakistan, have been utilizing drones to drop weapons, drugs, and cash across the Indian border, aiding terrorists on the ground.
In response, the BSF has deployed special anti-drone technology to thwart attempts by terrorist handlers based in Pakistan to sustain their operations in J&K.
Security forces are also closely monitoring drug smugglers and peddlers, as it is believed that the funds from drug trafficking and hawala schemes are used to finance terrorism.
Investigations have traced the origins of many drug smuggling operations and hawala networks back to Pakistan and the handlers of terror operatives residing there.