Srinagar

A terrorist was killed on Wednesday in a gunfight with security forces in the Lolab area of Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, while a search operation continued for the second day in Bandipora. Officials confirmed that the gunfight in Kupwara resulted in the death of one terrorist, with the operation ongoing in the area.

Meanwhile, in Bandipora’s Ketsun forest area, where a terrorist was killed the previous day, searches continued, despite two security personnel being injured during the operation. Since the formation of the elected government in J&K, terrorist activities have reportedly increased, with intelligence agencies attributing this to frustration among terror handlers across the border, especially after the peaceful and participatory elections in the region.

In recent weeks, J&K has seen a rise in terror attacks, including the killing of a top LeT commander in Srinagar and the deaths of six workers and a local doctor in Ganderbal. Terrorists have also targeted semi-skilled workers in Shopian and Budgam districts. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has directed security forces to target terrorists, their supporters, and overground workers (OGWs), and has warned that houses providing shelter to militants will be destroyed. The rise in attacks in areas once considered peaceful has raised concerns for security forces.