SHOPIAN, MAY 13 (The Chenab Times) – A gunbattle broke out early Tuesday between security forces and suspected militants in the Shukroo forest area of Kellar in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, Indian security officials confirmed, according to news agency PTI.
The firefight began after a joint team comprising the Indian Army, local police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation based on intelligence inputs about militant presence in the region. As the forces neared the suspected hideout, militants opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response.
“At least two to three militants are believed to be trapped in the area,” an official involved in the operation said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to media. The exchange of gunfire was ongoing at the time of reporting, with no immediate reports of casualties from either side.
The encounter comes amid renewed security operations in Kashmir following India’s intensified military response to cross-border attacks. On May 7, Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting seven terrorist launchpads and infrastructure facilities across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes came in retaliation for a deadly attack in Pahalgam that left multiple security personnel dead.
Tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated following the incident, though both sides announced a temporary cessation of hostilities on May 10. According to a joint statement, the two nations agreed to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea borders effective from 5 p.m. Saturday.
Despite the ceasefire, security forces remain on high alert in Kashmir, where counter-insurgency operations have surged in recent weeks. Authorities say they are maintaining vigilance to prevent infiltration and neutralise local militant threats.
Further details of the Shopian encounter are awaited as the operation continues.
(Inputs from PTI)
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The Chenab Times News Desk
