Two Encounters Between Security Forces and Terrorists Disrupt Pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir

Two encounters occurred between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar and Udhampur districts. The incidents temporarily paused the annual Machail Mata Yatra but have since resumed. Reinforcements are hunting for the terrorists who fled into the forest. No casualties have been reported in Udhampur encounter.

Two encounters broke out between security forces and terrorists in remote forest areas in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar and Udhampur districts on Sunday, according to officials.

Despite the encounter in Kishtwar, the annual Machail Mata Yatra in the Paddar area was unaffected, with officials assuring pilgrims that adequate security arrangements were in place.

The brief gunfight in Kishtwar occurred when a search operation was launched by police, army, and paramilitary forces in Nownatta, Naagseni Peyaas, and nearby areas based on terrorist movement intel, officials reported. Reinforcements have been deployed to pursue the fleeing terrorists into the forest.

This Kishtwar encounter follows a recent gunfight in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, resulting in the deaths of two army personnel and a civilian. The Machail Mata Yatra was only briefly paused as a precaution, with assurances of resumed pilgrim and traffic movement from district authorities urging continued journey with confidence under robust security.

The Machail Mata Yatra commenced on July 25 and will conclude on September 5, already witnessing over a lakh pilgrims.

Security forces also engaged terrorists in the forests of Basantgarh, Udhampur on Sunday evening. Although a few rounds were exchanged, no casualties were reported. The area is cordoned off, and a renewed search operation will continue on Monday morning. This is the second such encounter in Udhampur in the past five days.

(With inputs from agencies.)