Terrorist killed, cop injured after encounter in J&K’s Kupwara

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, March 17, 2025: An unidentified terrorist was killed while a policeman was injured during an encounter in Handwara area of north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara district on Monday.

According to police sources, a joint team of the army and police set up a cordon around Krumhoora village in Zachaldara, Handwara, following intelligence reports of militants hiding in the area. Security agencies believe that two militants were likely hiding in the area.

As the security forces launched a search operation, the terrorists opened fire, sparking a gunfight. In the ensuing exchange, one terrorist was killed, and a policeman sustained injuries.

“Encounter has started at Krumhoora Zachaldara area of Handwara. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” the Kashmir Zone Police posted on X.

From the slain terrorist, security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. With the possibility of other militants still in hiding, reinforcements have been deployed, and the search operation is ongoing.

The area, located near the Line of Control (LoC) and surrounded by dense forests, presents additional challenges for the operation.

Encounters between terrorists and security forces have been rare this year. A senior police officer told DH that a significant decline in the recruitment of local youth into militancy has contributed to the drop in encounters.

“For the first time in 15 years, the number of local militants has fallen to single digits. The current estimate of active local militants in Kashmir is less than a dozen,” the officer revealed. “Recruitment numbers dropped to double digits in 2023 and 2024, with only one new recruit recorded in 2025 so far.”

This reduction in local recruitment is attributed to diminishing local support for militancy and improved security measures.

However, the officer emphasized the ongoing presence of foreign militants, particularly from Pakistan, and stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance. “The decline in LoC activity and local recruitment are encouraging signs, but the presence of foreign terrorists highlights the need for continued caution,” the officer added.