Encounter with terrorists underway in Kashmir's Poonch; area cordoned off

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Kalaban area, near Pathanateer in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district, an official said.

"Contact has been established with terrorists in the Kalaban area near Pathanateer. The point of contact is in Katara of the Mendhar sector," Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

A joint search operation was immediately launched by the Romeo Force of the Indian Army, the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Poonch Police, and the CRPF, an official of Poonch Police said.

The area has been cordoned off by the security forces. Firing was heard in the morning hours also, police said.

Earlier on Friday, two army soldiers were killed in a gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

In a post on X, White Knight Corps said, "GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families."

Security was heightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar following the encounter between security forces and terrorists in the upper reaches of Naidgham village. I

On September 9, based on inputs from intelligence agencies and JK Police regarding an infiltration bid, an anti-infiltration operation was launched by the troops of the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army in the general area of Lam, Nowshera. Two terrorists were neutralised and a large quantity of warlike stores, including two AK-47s and one pistol, was recovered.

In the last few months, there has been a spike in terror attacks in the Jammu region.

In Jammu and Kashmir, voting will be held for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting is scheduled on September 18, the other two rounds will be held on September 25 and October 1. Counting to take place on October 8.