||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh|| November 02,2024||

Srinagar : An intense gunfight broke out in the Khanyar area of downtown Srinagar early Saturday morning, as security forces engaged suspected militants in a high-stakes operation. Officials report that the encounter unfolded when security forces, acting on specific intelligence inputs, cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation at the break of dawn.

The operation commenced as teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, supported by Army and paramilitary forces, set up a security perimeter around the area. Khanyar, a dense residential locality known for its narrow lanes and compact housing, presented formidable challenges for the forces. Nevertheless, the presence of militants was soon confirmed in a residential building, and the initial exchange of fire erupted, sending residents into lockdown for their safety. Gunshots could be heard resonating across the area as the operation intensified.

In a formal statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed the incident, stating, “A cordon and search operation in Khanyar has resulted in an exchange of fire. Police and security forces are on the job.” The statement did not reveal further specifics, as the situation remains fluid, with security forces exercising utmost caution in the densely populated area. Officials assured that further details will be provided as events unfold.

This encounter marks the third militancy-related incident in the Kashmir Valley since Friday evening, underscoring the persisting threat and security challenges in the region. On Friday evening, in Budgam district, two migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh were targeted in an attack. Both men sustained gunshot wounds but survived the assault and are currently undergoing treatment at a Srinagar hospital. The targeting of migrant workers, often regarded as soft targets, highlights the ongoing risks posed to non-local residents working in the Valley. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to securing vulnerable communities and curbing such violence.

In a separate development, the Indian Army reported suspicious movement in the Panar area of Bandipora district late on the evening of November 1. Army officials said that upon spotting suspicious activity, security personnel challenged the individuals, who then opened indiscriminate fire before disappearing into the nearby jungle. Given the rugged terrain and dense forest cover, a large-scale search operation is ongoing to track down and neutralize the suspects. The Army is utilizing both ground forces and aerial surveillance to ensure that the militants do not evade capture.

The surge in militancy-related incidents over the past 24 hours has placed security agencies on high alert across the Valley. Reinforcements have been deployed in vulnerable areas, and additional precautionary measures are being taken to prevent further attacks. Security forces have vowed to maintain a relentless offensive against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring their commitment to regional stability and the safety of civilians.

As the Khanyar encounter continues, authorities have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors and follow all directives from security personnel. Local businesses and educational institutions remain shut, with the streets bearing a tense quietness as the operation proceeds.

This latest escalation serves as a stark reminder of the complex security dynamics in the region, with forces responding to a multi-front challenge — from targeting armed militants within urban settings to tracking infiltrations along remote mountainous terrains. As operations in Khanyar and Bandipora continue, Jammu and Kashmir’s security apparatus remains resolute in its mission to restore and uphold peace in the Valley.