Security forces exchange fire with militants in Kashmir’s Budgam

An exchange of fire broke out between security forces and militants in Gurwethkalan, in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, on Tuesday, according to India Today. The operation began after security forces received intelligence about a possible militant presence. A joint force cordoned off the village and launched a search operation.

During the search, forces confirmed the presence of militants and came under fire, leading to an encounter. The operation was still under way when the report was published. Sources cited by the report said a senior non-local commander belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba was believed to be trapped inside the cordoned area.

Security forces intensified their operation in response. The supplied material does not identify the units involved, state how many militants are believed to be inside the area or provide details of any arrests, injuries or deaths. It also does not include a statement from Lashkar-e-Taiba or a separate account from local residents.

Further information was awaited as the security operation continued. The report provides no indication of how long the cordon had been in place or whether movement restrictions had been imposed in surrounding areas. The status of the suspected commander and the outcome of the operation were not available in the material supplied.