One terrorist killed in Budgam's Ashdar Gali in J&K operation
Synopsis
A joint Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF operation in Budgam's Ashdar Gali neutralised one terrorist on Friday, with an AK rifle recovered and searches still continuing. The operation, launched on specific intelligence, reflects the ongoing security pressure in Central Kashmir — a district with one of J&K's most historically significant counter-terrorism episodes on record.
Key Takeaways
One terrorist was neutralised during Operation Ashdar in Ashdar Gali, Budgam on Friday, 4 September .
The joint operation involved the Indian Army , Jammu and Kashmir Police , and CRPF , launched on specific intelligence inputs.
An AK rifle and other war-like stores were recovered from the site.
The operation began on Thursday evening after gunshots were heard during a cordon and search operation, and resumed at first light on Friday.
Search operations in the Ashdar Gali area are still underway as of Friday.
One terrorist was killed on Friday, 4 September during Operation Ashdar in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, as a joint security forces operation continued into its second day with searches still underway in the Ashdar Gali area of Central Kashmir. An AK rifle and other war-like stores were recovered from the site.
How the Operation Unfolded
The operation was launched on Thursday evening following specific intelligence inputs, when an Indian Army patrol established contact with militants during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Ashdar Gali area. Troops heard gunshots and engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of fire.
The operation was resumed at first light on Friday morning. According to the Chinar Corps, headquartered at Badami Bagh Cantonment, vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire — prompting the exchange during which one terrorist was neutralised.
Joint Forces Involved
The operation is a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). In a post on X, the Chinar Corps confirmed the neutralisation, stating: 'Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised and one AK rifle and other war-like stores recovered.'
Historical Context: Budgam's Troubled Past
Budgam district has a long history of counter-terrorism operations. One of the most significant was the 1995 Chrar-e-Sharief siege, where Pakistani terrorist commander Mast Gul occupied the shrine of Sheikh Nuruddin Wali, Kashmir's revered Sufi patron saint. The standoff lasted 66 days, with the army surrounding the town but refraining from entering to prevent civilian casualties and damage to the shrine.
The siege ended when Mast Gul set fire to the shrine, destroying it along with adjacent houses. According to historical accounts, 20 terrorists, 2 army soldiers, and 4 civilians were killed before Mast Gul ultimately escaped across the border to Pakistan.
Search Operation Ongoing
Security forces have maintained a cordon around the Ashdar Gali area, and searches are continuing as of Friday. Officials have not ruled out the presence of additional militants in the zone. The outcome of the ongoing operation is expected to be confirmed by security agencies once the area is fully cleared.
Point of View
Where the army-police-CRPF grid has become increasingly coordinated. What stands out is the speed of contact — engagement on the first evening, neutralisation by the second morning — suggesting actionable intelligence rather than a speculative cordon. Budgam's geography, straddling the Kashmir Valley's heartland, makes it a persistent pressure point. The recovery of an AK rifle and war-like stores also points to a militant who was operationally equipped, not a fringe actor. Whether this is an isolated cell or part of a larger network active in the area is the question security forces will be answering as searches continue.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation Ashdar in Budgam, J&K?
Operation Ashdar is a joint counter-terrorism operation launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam district in Central Kashmir. It was initiated on Thursday evening following specific intelligence inputs and resulted in one terrorist being killed on Friday, 4 September.
Who was killed in the Budgam encounter on 4 September?
One unidentified terrorist was neutralised during Operation Ashdar in Ashdar Gali, Budgam. An AK rifle and other war-like stores were recovered from the site. The identity of the militant had not been officially confirmed as of the latest reports.
Which security forces are involved in Operation Ashdar?
The operation is a coordinated effort between the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Chinar Corps, headquartered at Badami Bagh Cantonment, confirmed the operation and the neutralisation on X.
Is the search operation in Budgam still ongoing?
Yes, as of Friday, 4 September, search operations in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam district are still continuing. Security forces have maintained a cordon around the zone and have not ruled out the presence of additional militants.
What is the historical significance of Budgam in J&K's counter-terrorism history?
Budgam was the site of the 1995 Chrar-e-Sharief siege, one of J&K's most significant counter-terrorism episodes. Pakistani militant commander Mast Gul occupied the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Nuruddin Wali for 66 days before burning it and escaping to Pakistan. Twenty terrorists, two army soldiers, and four civilians were killed in that operation.
