Is the Security Forces' Effort Effective After One Terrorist Killed in J&K's Kulgam District?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One terrorist killed in ongoing gunfight.
- One Army soldier injured and hospitalized.
- Intensified anti-terrorist operations in J&K.
- Use of drones for cross-border smuggling reported.
- Correlation between drug smuggling and terrorism.
Srinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) A fierce gunfight erupted on Monday between security forces and terrorists in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In this confrontation, one terrorist has been eliminated while one Army soldier sustained injuries and has been transported to a hospital for treatment. Reinforcements have been deployed to the area, which has been cordoned off.
According to officials, joint security forces initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Gudar forest area after receiving intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.
“As the forces advanced, the terrorists opened fire, resulting in an ongoing encounter. As of the latest updates, the exchange of fire continues,” officials remarked.
Joint forces have intensified their anti-terrorist operations in J&K, specifically targeting not only the terrorists but also their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathizers.
Security forces assert that to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory, it is crucial to focus not just on neutralizing armed terrorists, but also on disrupting those who support terrorism.
Since the suspension of 'Operation Sindoor', there have been increased attempts by terrorists to infiltrate into J&K from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).
J&K is bordered by a 740-Km-long LoC guarded by the Army, in addition to a 240-Km-long International Border in the Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, overseen by the BSF.
With assistance from Pakistan, terrorist groups have been employing drones, particularly along the International Border, to deliver weapons, narcotics, and cash to support terrorist activities on the Indian side.
The BSF has implemented specialized anti-drone technology to thwart the use of drones by terrorist handlers stationed in Pakistan.
Drug traffickers and peddlers are also under scrutiny, as the proceeds from drug smuggling and hawala operations are believed to be funneled into sustaining terrorism.
In many instances, the origins of drug smuggling and hawala rackets have been traced back to Pakistan, where the handlers of terrorist operatives are based.