Jammu and Kashmir: Militant, soldier killed in Kupwara gun battle

Srinagar: An Army soldier and a militant were killed in an encounter in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.

The soldier, a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), was critically wounded during an ongoing operation in the Trumkhan forests of frontier Kupwara and later succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility, they said.

The gun battle erupted in the Trumkhan forests when the security forces were carrying out a search operation following input about the presence of militants.

Earlier the day, the Army said suspicious movement was observed, following which they were challenged by vigilant troops, leading to an encounter.

“Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice on days leading up to 23 July 24. On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing firefight, one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO injured. Operation is in progress,” Army Srinagar based Chinar Corps had said in a post on X.

The gun battle in Kupwara took place at a time when there has been a spurt in militant attacks in the Jammu region.

On Tuesday, a soldier was killed in a gunfight with militants in the Poonch district of Jammu on the Line of Control while foiling an infiltration bid.

Since June 20, the day Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister for the third term, 11 security men and nine pilgrims have been killed in the Jammu region in separate attacks.