5-militants killed in encounter in Kulgam

Srinagar, Dec 19: Five militants were killed and two security personnel injured in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday morning, sources said.
A police official also confirmed the casualties. However, there has been no official confirmation so far. “Five bodies have been observed at the encounter site,” said the official.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kadder in the Behibagh area of the district on Wednesday night following information about the presence of suspected militants there, the official said.
The search operation turned into an encounter as the militants opened fire on security forces and they retaliated.
“Bodies of five militants are lying in the orchards but have not been retrieved yet,” the official added.
The Kashmir Zone Police posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Encounter has started at Kadder area of Kulgam district. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.”
Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said that the militants opened a “heavy volume” of fire when challenged by the security forces.
“OP KADER, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of militants, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and J-K police at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, militants opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress,” it said in a post on X.