Terrorist killed in Jammu & Kashmir encounter; operation continues

Srinagar: A militant was killed in the forest area of Budgam in central Kashmir during an operation on Friday, the armed forces said.

Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint search operation was launched by the Army, J&K Police and CRPF in the Ashdar Gali, also known as Ashtar Gali, area in the upper reaches of Budgam, officials said.

"Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist neutralised and one AK rifle and other war-like stores recovered. Search operation is in progress," Indian Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a statement.


The identity of the slain militant is yet to be established and will be confirmed after forensic examination, officials said. Security forces are searching for another suspected infiltrator believed to be holed up in the area. "We have been following this lead for several days now and this particular operation started on Thursday when the contact was established with the terrorists and 10 Para in Ashtar, Dudhpathri area of Khansahib in Budgam," said an official. Ashdar Gali lies between Poonch district in Jammu, across the Pir Panjal range, and Budgam district in Kashmir. Police had also set up a temporary operating base at Dishkal, between Dudhpathri and Ashdar Gali.

The area is a popular trekking route that was closed after the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, along with several other destinations. Most of these destinations were reopened this year, but the trekking route remains closed.

Meanwhile, Kashmir Inspector General of Police Sujit Kumar chaired a security review meeting for the upcoming International Film Festival, which begins in Srinagar on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening security arrangements and ensuring preparedness for the smooth and secure conduct of the festival.