Awantipora Encounter: One Terrorist Killed, Two More Trapped as Gunbattle Continues in South Kashmir
New Delhi:
A terrorist has been killed and two others are believed to be trapped in an ongoing encounter with security forces in the Awantipora region of Jammu and Kashmir, the police confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The gunfight erupted in the Nader and Tral areas of Awantipora, a sub-district of Pulwama in south Kashmir. “Police and security forces are on the job,” the Kashmir Zone Police posted on X (formerly Twitter), as the operation entered its second hour.
This is the latest in a series of intensified counter-terror operations being conducted in the region.
Recent Encounter in Shopian
Just two days earlier, on May 13, three terrorists were eliminated in a high-intensity encounter in Shopian. The confrontation began in the Kulgam district and later shifted to a forested area in Shopian, where the terrorists were intercepted based on specific intelligence.
The Indian Army shared an update on X, stating,
“On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit about the presence of terrorists in the Shoekal Keller area of Shopian, a search and destroy operation was launched. The terrorists opened heavy fire, resulting in a fierce firefight. Three hardcore terrorists were neutralised. The operation is still in progress.”
Background: Intensified Counter-Terror Efforts
Security operations in Jammu and Kashmir have significantly escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In response, the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine identified terror bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The large-scale action heightened military tensions between the two nations.
Ceasefire Agreement and Violation
In a bid to de-escalate the situation, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10. Both sides agreed to halt all military operations across land, air, and sea from 5 PM onward. However, Pakistan reportedly violated the agreement within hours, reigniting concerns over the sustainability of peace efforts.
Continuing Vigilance in the Valley
Security forces remain on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in sensitive areas such as Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Pahalgam. Counter-terror operations are being carried out regularly based on real-time intelligence, with a focus on dismantling terror infrastructure and preventing cross-border infiltration.
Further updates on the Awantipora encounter are awaited as the joint operation by police and security forces continues.
