Two Lashkar Militants Killed, Five Security Personnel Injured in Gunfight in Kulgam

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, New Delhi: The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir intensified over the weekend amid ongoing assembly elections, as two militants from the Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed during a gunfight in Kul village. The encounter took place late Saturday night, resulting in injuries to five security personnel.

According to reports, the incident began when a joint operation was launched by the nine Rashtriya Rifles and local Kashmir Police after intelligence indicated a militant presence in the Arigam village of the Debsar area in Kulgam district. As security forces cordoned off the area, suspected militants opened fire, prompting a swift response from the guards. In the ensuing gunfight, two jihadi militants were killed, and four security personnel, including an officer of ASP rank, sustained injuries.

Police sources indicated that the slain militants were believed to be plotting to incite unrest in the region during the electoral process. A cache of sophisticated firearms and ammunition was recovered from the scene, along with several suspicious documents that could provide further insight into their operations.

The two deceased militants have been identified as local residents: Umesh Wani from Kulgam and Aqib Ahmed Shergajri from Budgam. Both are reportedly affiliated with Lashkar's offshoot, the Resistance Front, which has been linked to various militant activities in the region.

The recent encounter underscores the challenges facing security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during this crucial election period. Authorities are on high alert as they work to ensure a peaceful voting process amid ongoing threats from militant groups.