Srinagar, May 1, KNT: April witnessed a series of deadly attacks, encounters and infiltration attempts across Jammu and Kashmir, leaving 27 civilians, five militants and two Army personnel dead in different incidents during the month.
The deadliest incident of the month took place in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, where 26 people, including local resident Syed Adil Hussain Shah of Hapatnard village, were killed in an attack targeting tourists and civilians.
The incident triggered widespread concern and intensified security measures across tourist destinations and sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The month opened with signs of increased armed activity in parts of Jammu region, including an encounter in the Panjthirthi forest area of Kathua district.
A mine blast was also reported in Poonch along the Line of Control following exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces in the area.
In another incident, suspected militant movement in Billawar area of Kathua prompted a firing response from Special Operations Group personnel during a search operation.
Security operations later intensified in hilly and forested belts of Jammu division after separate encounters broke out in Ramnagar’s Jofar forest area and Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.
Three militants were killed during the Kishtwar operation after a prolonged exchange of fire with security forces.
In Akhnoor’s Keri Batal sector, a Junior Commissioned Officer identified as Kuldeep Chand lost his life during a gunfight with militants.
The month also witnessed infiltration attempts along the Line of Control in north Kashmir.
Two infiltrators were killed by security forces in the Uri sector of Baramulla district after an infiltration bid was foiled near the border.
A day later, another Army soldier was killed during an encounter in Dudu Basantgarh area of Udhampur district after a prolonged operation against militants.
Apart from armed encounters, civilian killings were also reported during the month.
In Kupwara district, social activist Ghulam Rasool Magray was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Kandi Khas area, adding to civilian casualties recorded during April.
Security agencies maintained intensified operations in several districts during the month amid reports of militant movement and infiltration attempts in both Jammu region and parts of Kashmir Valley.
The developments kept security forces on high alert across multiple districts, particularly in forest areas and along the Line of Control, where surveillance and anti-infiltration operations were further strengthened following the incidents. [KNT]
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