NEW DELHI, Aug 24: A major terrorist attack on a police post near Watergam camp in the Rafiabad area of Sopore in north Kashmir was repulsed after exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces on Saturday.
A joint team of the Indian Army and J&K police came under fire from terrorists in the Watergam area of Sopore, following specific intelligence about militant activity in the region. According to Kashmir Zone police, security forces retaliated to gunshots by terrorists. One terrorist was killed in the retaliatory firing. An encounter is underway.
The dead terrorist is believed to be a local, two others have likely escaped but the search is ongoing. The area has been cordoned off. One soldier is said to have been injured in the operation. He has been shifted to 15 Corps Hospital in Srinagar.
“Exchange of fire at Watergam area of Sopore. Alert security forces retaliated. Area cordoned off. Searches underway. Further details shall follow,” Kashmir Zone police said in a statement.
Chinar Corps, Indian Army said in an X post, “One terrorist eliminated and war-like stores recovered. Operation is continuing.”
“Consequent to specific intelligence of the area, a joint team of the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police was fired upon by terrorists in the Watergam area of Sopore. Vigilant troops swiftly responded and a firefight ensued. Operation is in progress,” Indian Army said in a statement.
The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have heightened vigilance following credible intelligence inputs suggesting a potential threat from terrorist groups in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. Defence sources have indicated that these groups may be planning to destabilise the region’s fragile peace, with police stations, posts, and security convoys identified as potential targets.
(Manas Dasgupta)