At least four police officers and two suspected militants were killed in a gunfight in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning.

The Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps reported on social media that "relentless operations" led to the "elimination of two terrorists," a term typically used for insurgents opposing Indian rule in the region. 

The corps also confirmed the recovery of the bodies of three police officers, along with the bodies of another officer and two militants found in a forest area.

Authorities also seized weapons and ammunition, including two grenades, a bulletproof vest, empty shell casings, and several assault rifle magazines.

For decades, insurgent groups have clashed with security forces in the region, causing thousands of casualties. While violence has decreased in recent years, tensions remain high. 

According to government figures, at least 14 security personnel were killed in the first half of 2024, and 30 were killed in 2023.

The clash began Thursday in a forested area near Kathua, a southern city in Jammu close to the Pakistan border, after a police patrol was ambushed while searching for militants. 

Police chief Nalin Prabhat stated that the insurgents were believed to have crossed the security cordon four days earlier and suggested they were from Pakistan, though he provided no further details. 

He added, “We will not rest until we stop such activities from our neighbour,” referring to Pakistan.

The disputed Kashmir region has long been at the center of conflict between India and Pakistan, both of which claim full control. While India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant activities, Pakistan denies the charges, claiming to back Kashmir's fight for self-determination.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1340 HRS, MAR 29, 2025
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