Encounter breaks out between terrorists, security forces in South Kashmir’s Kulgam, day after Pahalgam terror attack

A day after the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Tangmarg area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday (Apr 23). 

According to officials, around three terrorists are suspected to be trapped. The security forces barricaded off Tangmarg after receiving specific information about the presence of terrorists in the area. Further details are awaited on the encounter. 

The encounter comes a day after the horrific terror attack when at least 27 people, mainly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on Tuesday (Apr 22). The region is a popular tourist spot and is located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the dead are two foreign nationals and two locals, TOI reported, citing a high-ranking official. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

An Indian Navy officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, 26, was also killed in the attack. Narwal had recently got married less than a week ago, on April 16, and the couple were on their honeymoon in Kashmir when the tragic terror attack happened.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed a “loud and clear” response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He assured that the government would hunt down not only the perpetrators who carried out the terrible attack, but also those who worked behind the scenes.

Security forces have released the sketches of three of the men suspected of being involved in the brutal attack. They are identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha, officials said.