Security forces are engaged in an active gunbattle with militants in the Nader Tral area of Awantipora in south Kashmir, according to official sources. The encounter began in the early hours of Thursday when a joint team of security personnel launched a cordon and search operation following intelligence inputs about militant presence in the area.
“Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” the Jammu and Kashmir Police announced in a post on social media platform X.
#Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) May 15, 2025
This marks the second armed confrontation between security forces and militants in south Kashmir this week. On May 13, a similar operation in Shopian district resulted in the elimination of three local militants affiliated with the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Among those killed was Shahid Kuttay, identified as a local commander of the group.
Security officials have intensified counter-insurgency operations across the Kashmir Valley in recent weeks, resulting in several successful operations against militant groups. The Awantipora sub-district, which includes the Tral area, has historically been a sensitive zone for security operations due to the presence of militant hideouts in its forested and mountainous terrain.
The ongoing operation follows established protocol where security forces, typically comprising local police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Army personnel, cordon off an area based on intelligence before conducting systematic searches to locate militants.
Authorities have reinforced security measures in surrounding areas to prevent any potential escape of militants from the encounter site. Local residents have reportedly been evacuated from the immediate vicinity of the gunbattle to ensure civilian safety.
