Three militants killed in Baramulla operation, searches underway in Kishtwar in J&K

• Three militants killed in Baramulla operation: On September 14, 2024, security forces killed three militants during an encounter in the Chak Tapper Kreeri area of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation began as a cordon-and-search operation late on September 13, which escalated into an exchange of gunfire after the militants opened fire on the security forces. The identities and affiliations of the militants are currently being investigated, and the operation remains ongoing.
• Search operations in Kishtwar: Concurrently, security forces are conducting search operations in Kishtwar following a recent encounter that resulted in the deaths of two Indian Army soldiers. The operation in Kishtwar involved a joint effort by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Pingnar Dugadda forest area, triggered by intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants. The situation remains tense in the region, with increased security measures in place ahead of upcoming assembly elections.

On September 14, 2024, a significant operation unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, resulting in the deaths of three militants during a fierce encounter with security forces. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming assembly elections.

Baramulla Encounter Details

The encounter began late on September 13, when a joint team of the Indian Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Chak Tapper Kreeri area. This operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the region. As the forces approached, the militants opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response from the security personnel.

Initially, one militant was reported killed, but as the operation progressed, two additional militants were neutralized. The firefight was intense, with the militants reportedly cornered inside a school building, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. The operation is ongoing, with security forces ensuring the area is secure and searching for any remaining threats.

Context of Increased Violence

This encounter follows a tragic incident in Kishtwar, where two Indian Army soldiers were killed during a separate operation against militants. The soldiers, identified as Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh, were injured during a gunfight in the Naidgham area. Despite immediate medical treatment, both succumbed to their injuries. This incident has heightened security measures in Kishtwar, particularly in areas prone to militant activity.The recent spike in encounters and violence in Jammu and Kashmir coincides with the upcoming assembly elections, the first in the region since 2014. Voting is scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, 2024. The elections have drawn significant attention, with heightened security protocols in place to ensure public safety amid concerns over potential militant attacks.

What were the identities and affiliations of the militants killed in Baramulla

According to the reports, three militants were killed in the encounter with security forces in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir on September 14, 2024. However, their exact identities and affiliations are still being ascertained by the authorities.The encounter began late on September 13 when a joint team of the Indian Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Chak Tapper Kreeri area based on credible intelligence about the presence of militants.As the security forces approached, the militants opened fire, leading to a fierce gunfight. The operation continued through the night, with one militant initially reported killed. By morning, two more militants were neutralized, bringing the total to three.The militants were cornered inside a school building and engaged in an intense exchange of fire with the approaching security forces. The operation is still ongoing as security forces work to secure the area and ensure no additional militants are present.While the identities and group affiliations of the slain militants are yet to be officially confirmed, the encounter comes amid heightened security in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for September-October 2024.

How did the encounter in Baramulla unfold

 

The encounter in Baramulla unfolded in a series of coordinated actions by security forces, beginning late on the night of September 13, 2024, in the Chak Tapper Kreeri area of the Pattan region.

Initial Operation

The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the area. A joint team comprising the Indian Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation. As the forces began their search, they encountered resistance when the militants opened fire on them.

Escalation of the Encounter

Following the initial gunfire, the situation escalated into a full-fledged encounter. Security forces retaliated, and the firefight continued throughout the night. The militants were reportedly cornered inside a school building, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

Outcome of the Encounter

By the morning of September 14, three militants were confirmed dead as a result of the ongoing gunfight. The operation remained active as security forces worked to secure the area and ensure no additional militants were present. The identities and affiliations of the slain militants were still being determined at the time of reporting.

Context and Significance

This encounter occurred against a backdrop of heightened security and increased militant activity in Jammu and Kashmir, especially with the upcoming assembly elections. The region has seen a rise in terrorist attacks, and security forces are on high alert to prevent any disruptions during the electoral process.

The outcome of the encounter in Baramulla, which took place on September 14, 2024, was the killing of three militants. The operation began late on the night of September 13, when a joint team of the Indian Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Chak Tapper Kreeri area based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants.As the security forces approached, the militants opened fire, leading to an intense gunfight that lasted throughout the night. Initially, one militant was reported killed, but as the operation progressed, two additional militants were neutralized by the morning. The militants were cornered inside a school building, where they engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with the security forces.The identities and affiliations of the slain militants are still being confirmed, but the operation is ongoing as security forces work to secure the area and ensure no additional threats remain. This encounter comes amid heightened security in the region, particularly with the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for September and October 2024, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

How many terrorists were involved in the Baramulla encounter

According to the reports, at least three terrorists were killed in the encounter with security forces in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir on September 14, 2024.The encounter began late on September 13 when a joint team of the Indian Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Chak Tapper Kreeri area based on credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists.Initially, one terrorist was reported killed, but as the operation progressed, two additional militants were neutralized by the morning. The terrorists were cornered inside a school building, where they engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with the approaching security forces.The identities and affiliations of the slain militants are still being determined by the authorities as the operation continues. However, the encounter comes amid heightened security in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for September-October 2024.

Conclusion

The encounter in Baramulla on September 14, 2024, which resulted in the elimination of three militants, underscores the ongoing efforts of security forces to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Initiated based on credible intelligence, the operation reflects the proactive measures taken by the Indian Army, CRPF, and local police to ensure the safety and security of the region, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming assembly elections.As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on maintaining peace and stability in the area. The successful neutralization of these militants is a significant development in the broader context of counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are committed to ensuring a secure environment for the electoral process, demonstrating their resolve to address the challenges posed by militant activities. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and dangers that security forces face in their mission to protect the region and its inhabitants.