In amajor success for the Indian security agencies, a terrorist was eliminated in an anti-terror operation in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The operation, conducted on specific intelligence inputs, is another example of the tireless efforts of security agencies to root out terror threats and restore peace in the troubled region.

The anti-terror operation in Kulgamwas initiated late Thursday night after credible inputs were received by security forces regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. Operating on quick orders, a joint team of Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned the suspected locality in Redwani area of Kulgam.The terrorists,feeling the tightening cord, began to fire on the security team. This resulted in an intense gunbattle lasting for hours. One terrorist had been neutralized by Friday morning.

Identity of the Terrorist

According to preliminary reports of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the slain terrorist has been suspected to be associated with the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). His precise identity has not been officially verified, although sources suggest he was a local militant who had recently joined the terror group’s ranks.

The seizure of weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating materials from the encounter site indicates his active role in several terror-related operations in South Kashmir.

A Repeated Problem in Kulgam
Kulgam, a South Kashmir district, has witnessed a recent upsurge in militant activities. With its thick apple orchards, hilly terrain, and proximity to national highways, it is an area of strategic value for terrorist handlers. The area has been used as a hideout for militants attempting to reorganize and regroup following crackdowns in other areas of the Valley.

This is not the first instance when an anti-terror operation in Kulgam has hit the headlines. Security forces have been carrying out regular combing operations in the district to eliminate militants living among the civilian population. The operations, though dangerous, have so far been effective in dismantling sleeper cells and underground networks.

Civilians Advised to Keep Away

As per the standard procedure, security forces asked civilians to remain indoors and keep themselves away from the encounter area. The entire area was sealed off to avoid collateral damage and ensure the operation’s integrity.

Once the operation was over, authorities launched a sanitization drive to scan for potential explosive devices and make sure no threat was left behind.

Implications for Local Security

The successful anti-terror operation in Kulgam is a morale booster for the security forces and establishes that they are ready to counter new challenges. It also sends a very clear message to terrorist outfits based across the border and within the Valley.Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone

 V.K. Birdi praised the coordination between forces and asserted that the operation was carried out with “surgical precision,” making sure that no one was harmed from among the people or personnel.Such

precise operations are crucial in disrupting the terror infrastructure that is aimed at destabilizing the region. More importantly, they minimize the capability of such groups to carry out attacks on security installations or instigate disturbances among the local population.

Political and Public Reactions

The elimination of the terrorist during the Kulgam operation has evoked mixed responses from political circles and the general public.

While Union Home Ministry officials credited the work of the forces, local leaders called for sustained alertness and improved integration of counter-terror efforts with outreach to the community.

There is a strong feeling in the Valley that sustainable peace can be possible only through a mix of assertive security measures and socio-economic growth. Many are of the view that although the anti-terror operation at Kulgam was unavoidable, equal importance should be given to precluding the radicalization of youths through education, jobs, and awareness.Terrorism Trends in South Kashmir
South Kashmir,

which includes districts such as Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam, has been the militancy hotbed over the past decade. But stepped-up counter-insurgency operations have brought the number of active militants in the area down considerably.

Based on recent statistics by the Ministry of Home Affairs, local recruits to terror groups have experienced a reduction in 2024 and 2025 due to proactive steps and enhanced community policing. Security agencies, however, remain cautious regarding the new phase of threats — hybrid militants, lone-wolf attacks, and even drone-based infiltration attempts.

Looking Ahead

The killing of a terrorist during the anti-terror operation in Kulgam is another step in the long walk towards peace in Jammu and Kashmir. As much as such operations are a reflection of the bravery and competence of Indian security forces, they are also a reminder of the ongoing challenges that persist.Intelligence-

led action, inter-agency cooperation, and in-time monitoring remain the pillars of counter-terror operations within the region. The effectiveness of the same, however, would also rely on support from the community, socio-political stability, and ongoing developmental engagement.

Conclusion

The successful anti-terror operation in Kulgam not only neutralized an active threat but also reaffirmed the

will of India‘s security establishment to ensure law and order in the region. It is a stark warning to terror outfits trying to disturb the tenuous peace in Kashmir and a reminder that the battle against extremism is far from over.As Kashmir

keeps walking a tight rope over its intricate socio-political terrain, it is certain about one thing: the Valley people want peace, and the forces are trying their best to ensure that dream becomes a reality.