Jammu and Kashmir: Two soldiers, at least 6 terrorists killed during twin encounters in Kulgam; fresh clash in Rajouri

Two soldiers were killed on Saturday during twin encounters with terrorists in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces also recovered the bodies of two more terrorists today — bringing the death toll to eight. The developments came even as a fresh encounter broke out in Rajouri district on Sunday afternoon.

“Bodies of two terrorists were recovered from Modergam encounter site while four bodies of terrorists were recovered from Chinnigam site,” PTI quoted officials as saying.

Meanwhile, officials from the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir administration paid homage to L NK Pardeep Kumar and Sep Pravin Janjal Prabhakar on Sunday morning. The duo were killed in the line of duty while battling the terrorists in Kulgam.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police RR Swain lauded the neutralisation of so many terrorists as a big milestone'. The official said that success of the operation served as an indication that the fight to eliminate terror in Jammu and Kashmir would eventually conclude.

“Undoubtedly, this is a big milestone in the efforts towards strengthening the security environment. These successes are very meaningful both substantively as well as in terms of messaging,” he said.

Security forces also launched a search operation in Rajouri district on Sunday after several rounds of bullets were fired near an army camp. An army official was also injured in the ensuing exchange of fire around 4 am. The clash continued for nearly half-an-hour with the terrorists managing to flee into the nearby forest. A massive search operation has since been launched in the Galluti area of Manjakote sector to track down the terrorists.

"A few rounds of bullets were fired near an army camp in the Manjakot area of Rajouri. A search operation has been launched," Army officials told ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)