Top Terror Commander Trapped in Gunfight With Security Forces in J&K

The ongoing encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district highlights the persistent security challenges faced in the region, particularly with the approach of assembly elections. On September 15, 2024, security forces engaged in a fierce gunfight with a group of terrorists, including a high-ranking commander from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, in the Pathanateer area of Mendhar sub-division.

Incident Overview

The confrontation began late Saturday night when security forces, acting on intelligence reports about terrorist activity, initiated a cordon and search operation. This operation was a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Poonch Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after receiving specific inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area. As the forces moved in, they came under fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire that continued into the morning hours of September 15.

Key Details

• Location: Pathanateer area, Mendhar sector, Poonch district
• Participants: Security forces (Army, SOG, CRPF) vs. three terrorists, including a top commander of LeT
• Current Status: The gunfight is ongoing, with intermittent firing reported as forces attempt to neutralize the threat posed by the trapped militants.

Recent Context

This encounter is part of a broader pattern of increased terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly as the region prepares for its first assembly elections in a decade, scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, 2024. Just days prior, security forces had successfully neutralized three terrorists in Baramulla, indicating a surge in counter-terror operations in anticipation of potential disruptions during the electoral process.The situation in Poonch is particularly tense, with security forces on high alert to prevent any attempts by terrorists to interfere with the elections. Inspector General of Police Kashmir Range, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, emphasized that the operations are aimed at ensuring a safe polling environment, stating, “The terrorists won’t be allowed to disrupt polls in J&K”.

Implications and Responses

The ongoing encounter underscores the complexities of security in Jammu and Kashmir, where the interplay of militant activities and political processes creates a volatile environment. The presence of a high-ranking terrorist commander among the trapped militants raises concerns about the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region and their potential impact on security forces and civilian populations alike.In response to the heightened threat, security forces have ramped up their operations across various districts, including Kishtwar and Rajouri, where recent incidents have resulted in casualties among both militants and security personnel. The use of advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, has been reported to enhance the effectiveness of these operations

.As the situation develops, the focus remains on neutralizing the immediate threat while ensuring the safety and security of the electoral process, a critical step in the region’s ongoing efforts to stabilize governance and public order.