J&K: Gunfight Erupts in Downtown Srinagar

An encounter broke out on Saturday between security forces and terrorists in the downtown area of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

According to officials, the encounter began after security forces initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Khanyar area, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists. As the forces closed in on the suspects, they came under fire, leading to an ongoing exchange of gunfire.

This encounter marks the first significant conflict in over a decade within Srinagar’s old city, an area that was once a hotspot for separatist activities. Historically, militants operated freely in this region, but security forces had significantly reduced militancy levels over the years, leading to a belief that the area had been largely cleared of such threats. The recent gunfight has challenged that assumption.

In a related incident on Friday, two non-local laborers from Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay and Usman, were shot and injured by terrorists in the Mazhama village of Budgam district. They were promptly transported to a hospital, where their condition was reported as stable.

Earlier last month, a terrorist attack in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district resulted in the deaths of seven unarmed workers associated with an infrastructure project. These workers were engaged in constructing a tunnel to enhance connectivity between Gagangir and the Sonamarg tourist resort. Among the deceased were six non-local workers and a local doctor from Budgam.

Additionally, terrorists also attacked army personnel in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and two porters.