Terrorist Killed, Two Soldiers Dead in Kashmir Ahead of PM's Visit

A terrorist was killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday, just a day after two Indian Army soldiers lost their lives in a separate operation in Kishtwar. The gunfight, which began Friday night in the Chak Tapper Kreeri Pattan area of Baramulla, is part of an ongoing joint operation between security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, according to reports by PTI.

The encounter took place hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the Doda district, where he is set to address a mega election rally in support of his party’s candidates. This visit marks the first time in 42 years that a sitting prime minister has traveled to Doda. Security has been intensified with multi-tier measures put in place, particularly in the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar, to ensure a smooth and peaceful conduct of the event, which will be held at Doda town's stadium.

The Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the encounter on social media platform X, stating, "Police and security forces are on the job, further details shall follow." The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army also confirmed that the joint operation was launched following specific intelligence reports about terrorists in the area.

On Friday, two Army personnel—Sepoy Arvind Singh and Junior Commissioned Officer Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar—were killed in an encounter in Kishtwar. The operation was launched in the Naidgham area connecting Kishtwar with south Kashmir's Anantnag district. Two other soldiers who sustained injuries were airlifted to an Army hospital after receiving initial treatment at a local facility.