Have Two Terrorists Been Neutralized in Kulgam's Ongoing Security Operation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Joint security forces have killed two terrorists in Kulgam.
- The operation is part of a broader strategy against terrorism in J&K.
- Injuries were reported among security personnel during the gunfight.
- Focus on dismantling the entire terrorist ecosystem, including support networks.
- Drug trafficking is interconnected with terrorism funding.
Srinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) In a significant development, another terrorist was eliminated during the ongoing operation by joint security forces in J&K’s Kulgam district on Monday, bringing the total number of terrorists killed to two.
According to officials, both terrorists were neutralized in the active operation targeting terrorists in the Gudar forest area of Kulgam.
During this intense gunfight, several soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), sustained injuries and were promptly transported to a hospital for medical attention.
The confrontation erupted when joint teams of security forces initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Gudar forest area, acting on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.
"As the joint forces advanced, the hiding terrorists opened fire, leading to an encounter," an official reported.
In a broader context, the joint forces have intensified their anti-terror operations in J&K, specifically targeting terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.
Security forces emphasize that dismantling the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory requires a focus beyond just eliminating armed terrorists, aiming to disrupt those who facilitate and sustain terrorism.
Since the suspension of 'Operation Sindoor', there have been escalated attempts by terrorists to infiltrate into J&K from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).
The LoC stretches for 740 kilometers and is secured by the army. Additionally, around 240 kilometers of the International Border in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts are under the protection of the BSF.
With support from Pakistan, terrorist factions have been deploying drones, particularly along the International Border, to drop arms, narcotics, and money onto Indian territory to assist terrorists.
The BSF has implemented specialized anti-drone technology to thwart the attempts of terrorist handlers based in Pakistan from utilizing these methods to perpetuate terrorism in J&K.
Moreover, drug traffickers and peddlers are under close scrutiny, as the profits from drug smuggling and hawala networks are believed to be funneled into sustaining terrorism.
In numerous instances, the origins of drug trafficking and hawala networks have been traced back to Pakistan, revealing connections to terror operatives based there.