A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Zachaldara area of Handwara in Kupwara district on Monday, police said.
This is the first militant killing in Kashmir this year.
A security official said gunbattle erupted this morning between militants and security forces at Krumhoora Zachaldara forest area during a cordon and a search operation which was launched by joint forces following an input about militant presence in the area.
“Body of a terrorist with arms and ammunition has been retrieved. The operation has concluded,” a senior police officer said.
SSP Handwara said a Pakistani militant identified as Saifullah was killed in today’s encounter.
He said Saifullah was active in the area from some time.
He said an AK 47 rifle, 4 magazines and some grenades were recovered from his possession.
Army in a post on X said, “On 17 Mar 25, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by @JmuKmrPolice & #IndianArmy in general area Khurmur forest, Handwara, Kupwara. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire”.
“Own troops effectively retaliated, resulting in neutralisation of one terrorist alongwith recovery of one AK Rifle. Operation is in progress,” army said.
This was the first encounter in nearly two months in Kashmir.
The last gunfight took place on January 20-21 in Sopore sub-district in which a soldier was killed. The militants, however, had managed to escape from the area.