Three terrorists were neutralized in a security forces encounter at Lidwas meadows near Srinagar. The operation highlights ongoing anti-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

Three Terrorists Neutralized in Encounter at Srinagar’s Lidwas Meadows

Joint Security Operation Foils Major Threat in J&K’s Forested Region

Srinagar, July 28 – In a significant breakthrough for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, three terrorists were gunned down in an intense encounter in the Lidwas meadows area of the Srinagar district. The joint operation was carried out by personnel from the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police after credible intelligence inputs suggested the presence of militants in the heavily forested terrain.

According to security officials, the operation began late Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday. The encounter site, located in the Harwan forest area — a remote stretch near the Zabarwan mountain range — witnessed heavy gunfire exchange for several hours.

High Alert Following Movement in Forest Belt

Security agencies had been on high alert in the region following inputs of terrorist movement along the upper reaches of Harwan and adjoining forest areas. Based on surveillance and local intelligence, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the Army’s 5 Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police.

“After establishing contact with the terrorists in the early hours, our forces responded with calculated precision. The encounter lasted for over four hours. Three militants have been neutralized,” said a senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Weapons and War-Like Stores Recovered

Following the encounter, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, grenades, and other war-like stores. The bodies of the slain terrorists were recovered from the site, and their identities are being ascertained. Preliminary investigations suggest they may have been affiliated with a Pakistan-based terror outfit operating in the Valley.

“There is strong suspicion that these militants were infiltrators who recently crossed the Line of Control. Their presence in Lidwas meadows highlights an attempt to establish hideouts in forest belts closer to urban Srinagar,” said another official.

No Collateral Damage or Civilian Casualties

Authorities confirmed that there was no collateral damage or harm to civilians during the operation. “Our teams ensured minimal disruption to nearby villages. No harm has come to local residents,” said a defense spokesperson.

The area was sealed off and a thorough combing operation continued through the day to rule out the possibility of any remaining militants hiding in the vicinity.

Increased Vigilance Ahead of Independence Day

This encounter comes just weeks ahead of India’s Independence Day celebrations, a time when security across the Union Territory is typically heightened. Intelligence agencies have warned of increased infiltration attempts and sleeper cell activity as terrorist groups seek to create unrest and grab headlines.

“The elimination of these terrorists is a timely blow to anti-national elements trying to disturb peace in Kashmir. Forces remain vigilant and fully prepared to counter any threats,” the official added.

Public Response and Ongoing Investigation

The operation has drawn mixed reactions from locals — with some expressing relief over the swift neutralization of the threat, while others have raised concerns about increasing militant activity in areas previously considered relatively peaceful.

Police have appealed to the public to remain alert and report any suspicious movements. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to determine the network that facilitated the terrorists’ movement into the Lidwas area.

The successful operation adds to a series of recent counter-terror wins in the Valley, as forces continue to ramp up operations targeting foreign terrorists and local recruits alike.

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