After Pahalgam terror attack, encounter breaks out between terrorists and security forces in J-K's Kulgam

A major encounter broke out on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district between security forces and terrorists, just a day after a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. According to officials, a top commander of The Resistance Front (TRF)—a terror group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba—has been trapped during the ongoing gunfight in the Tangmarg area of south Kashmir.

This encounter follows heightened tensions in the region after Tuesday’s brutal terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadow, near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination. Around five to six terrorists had opened fire on a group of tourists enjoying the scenic spot. The meadow, located nearly 5 kilometers from Pahalgam, can only be reached on foot or horseback. Eyewitnesses said the terrorists emerged from the dense pine forests and fired at people picnicking, riding ponies, and eating at local food stalls.

Among the 26 killed were mostly tourists, including two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, and two local residents. The attack is being seen as one of the worst civilian tragedies in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian Army also foiled an infiltration attempt by two terrorists in Baramulla. After a fierce gunfight, both terrorists were killed. Security forces recovered a large number of weapons, ammunition, and even Pakistani currency from the site.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi to chair a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also flew to Srinagar hours after the incident. He reviewed the situation with top officials, visited the attack site, and met with the families of victims.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the incident one of the worst attacks on civilians in recent memory. Political leaders across the country condemned the attack and expressed their support for the victims and their families.

Security forces have since intensified their search operations across the region, vowing to track down and eliminate all those involved.