J&K Police Identify Lashkar Terrorist Killed in Budgam Gunfight

Jammu and Kashmir Police have identified the terrorist killed during an encounter in the Yousmarg area of Budgam as Yasir, a Pakistani national and operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Police released his photograph and said the identification was made following the security operation in the Pirpanjal mountains. The operation was carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force.

The encounter began after security forces launched a search operation in Ashdar Gali based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. According to security officials, troops noticed suspicious movement and challenged those present. The terrorists responded by opening fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire in the difficult mountainous terrain.

One terrorist was killed during the operation and an AK-series rifle was recovered from the site, according to the Chinar Corps. Security forces continued searches in the surrounding area as they worked to determine whether other terrorists remained concealed in the region. Officials had earlier indicated that at least two suspected foreign terrorists were believed to be hiding inside the cordoned-off area.

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The operation is part of continuing efforts by security forces to track terrorist groups operating in the forested and mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pirpanjal region presents significant operational challenges because of its dense forests, high-altitude terrain and difficult accessibility. Security agencies have been strengthening their presence in such areas to prevent armed groups from establishing hideouts and moving through remote routes.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat recently visited the area, where specialised high-altitude jungle warfare units have been deployed. Security officials believe some terrorists operating in the region are trained to survive in forest environments and may have established positions in the Pirpanjal mountains. The deployment of specialised units is intended to improve the ability of forces to detect and pursue such groups in difficult terrain.

Security forces have intensified counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir following several terror-related incidents. A wider crackdown was launched after two incidents in July, during which more than 3,000 suspects were reportedly detained or arrested as agencies investigated possible links to terror networks. Authorities have continued intelligence-based searches and joint operations as part of efforts to disrupt militant activity and prevent further attacks.

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