Srinagar, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
One terrorist was killed during an ongoing joint counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday, with security forces continuing searches in the area.
The operation, codenamed ‘Ashdar’, was launched in Ashdar Gali of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Thursday evening based on specific intelligence inputs. It resumed at first light on Friday.
According to the Army, troops established contact with terrorists after suspicious movement was detected during a cordon and search operation in the area. The terrorists opened fire when challenged, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
In a post on X, the Army’s Chinar Corps said the joint search operation was conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force.
“One terrorist was neutralised and one AK rifle and other war-like stores recovered,” the Army said.
The search operation remained underway as security forces continued to sanitise the area and look for any additional threats.
Budgam has previously witnessed one of the Army’s major anti-terror operations, when Chrar-e-Sharief town came under siege in 1995.
Pakistani terrorist commander Mast Gul had entered the town and taken control of the shrine of Sheikh Nuruddin Wali, one of Kashmir’s most revered Sufi saints. The Army surrounded the area and blocked the exit routes but did not enter the town, citing concerns over civilian casualties and possible damage to the shrine.
The standoff continued for 66 days before Mast Gul set fire to the shrine, with the blaze spreading to nearby houses. During the subsequent rescue and security operation involving the Army, police, paramilitary forces and civil administration, Mast Gul managed to escape and later crossed into Pakistan.
Twenty terrorists, two Army personnel and four civilians were killed during the 1995 operation.
FOLLOW NOW
