Jammu and Kashmir: Gunfight breaks out in southern Kulgam district

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A gunfight broke out between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday, officials said.

They said that the security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Nehama village of Kulgam following information about the presence of militants in the area.

The search operation turned into a gunbattle as the ultras opened fire towards the security personnel, they added.

No report of any casualty has so far been received, the officials said, adding that further details are awaited.

"#Encounter has started at Samno, D.H Pora area of #Kulgam district. Police & Security Forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice," Kashmir Zone police said in a post on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police apprehended three individuals, one of them a government teacher suspected of being involved in militant activities. The overnight operation took place in the village of Bahram Gala, located in the Surankote tehsil of Poonch district.

Two pistols, four loaded magazines, six mobile telephones and Rs 2.5 lakh cash was recovered from the possession of the accused, local reports said.

They had to transport the consignment, which had reportedly been smuggled from across the Line of Control (LoC), to South Kashmir in a Tempo Traveller via Mughal Road, a media report said.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, a Government teacher, son of Abdul Rashid, a resident of Sailan, Bufliaz, Mehraj Ahmed son of Maqsood Ahmed R/o Behram Gala and Gulshan son of Mohammad Sharief of Bunikhet, Bafliaz.

In midnight, Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh, a Government teacher was nabbed from the vehicle and was subjected to sustained interrogation during which he disclosed identity of Gulshan. Later Gulshan was apprehended along with consignment of arms, ammunition and cash.

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They were subjected to cross questioning, and on their revelation third associate, Mehraj Ahmed, a Tempo Traveller, was also arrested.

As per the officials, the consignment of arms and ammunition allegedly smuggled from across the Line of Control was to be transported to South Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Police is working on more leads to see whether some more persons were involved in the act.