Encounter Between Security Forces and Militants in Poonch, J&K: Ongoing Search Operation, One Soldier Injured

KKN Gurugram Desk | A fierce encounter broke out between security forces and militants in the Surnakote area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir late Monday night. The gunfight took place in Lasana village, where a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.

The area has been completely cordoned off, and a massive search operation is currently ongoing to flush out any remaining threats.

Joint Operation by Indian Army and J&K Police

The White Knight Corps, the Indian Army’s unit responsible for the Jammu region, confirmed the joint counter-insurgency operation via their official handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Their post detailed the events of the encounter, stating that the operation began late Monday night and was conducted in coordination with the local police.

“Based on credible inputs about militant movement in the Lasana area of Surankote, a joint cordon and search operation was launched. Additional troops were deployed to strengthen the perimeter and prevent any escape,” the official statement read.

One Soldier Injured in Gunfire

During the exchange of fire, one Indian Army soldier sustained injuries. He was quickly evacuated and shifted to a nearby military hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.

No reports have yet confirmed if any militants have been neutralized. The operation remains active, with forces scanning surrounding structures, forested zones, and escape routes for hidden operatives.

Operation All Out: A Continuous Crackdown on Militancy

This operation is part of the ongoing “Operation All Out”, a comprehensive anti-terror campaign launched by Indian security agencies to neutralize active militants in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign involves a multi-agency collaboration between the Indian Army, J&K Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The primary objective of the campaign is to dismantle terror networks belonging to groups such as:

• Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)

• Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

• Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)

These organizations have long been involved in cross-border terrorism, with support from foreign handlers. “Operation All Out” has resulted in hundreds of successful counter-insurgency actions in recent years, significantly reducing militant activity in many regions of Kashmir.

Lasana Village Evacuated for Civilian Safety

To avoid civilian casualties, the entire village of Lasana was evacuated. Local residents were escorted to safety, allowing security forces to conduct the operation without obstruction or risk to non-combatants.

Security forces have also issued advisories asking residents of nearby areas to remain indoors, avoid suspicious objects, and report unusual activity immediately.

Pattern of Terror Incidents in Poonch Region

The Poonch-Rajouri belt has witnessed a resurgence in militant activity over the past year, with several ambushes, infiltration attempts, and IED incidents reported. Being close to the Line of Control (LoC), these areas are frequently used as infiltration points by terrorists from across the border.

In 2024 alone, multiple encounters have taken place in these zones, leading to heightened surveillance and increased troop deployment.

Security Forces on High Alert in the Region

Following the encounter in Lasana, all units operating in the Poonch district and adjoining regions have been put on high operational alert. Search parties continue to comb through thick forests and rugged terrain, often used as hideouts by infiltrators.

Drone surveillance, night-vision equipment, and sniffer dogs are being employed to assist in the terrain-specific counterinsurgency measures.

Background: Growing Pressure on Terror Groups

Recent intelligence inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicate a decrease in active local recruitment into militant outfits. This is seen as a success of sustained outreach programs and youth de-radicalization efforts.

However, cross-border handlers continue to push infiltrators through vulnerable stretches of the LoC, often equipped with modern weaponry and communication tools.

According to military sources, several recent infiltrations attempted to disrupt the peace in the Union Territory and derail the progress of development and elections in rural areas.

Army Officials: Encounter May Extend Further

As of the latest reports, intermittent firing was still ongoing in some parts of the operation zone. Officials have stated that “the search will continue until every threat is neutralized”.

The army has not confirmed the number or identity of militants present in the area, indicating that the mission is still in an active, tactical phase.

Recap: Key Facts About Poonch Encounter

Public Safety Measures and Official Advisory

Security forces have asked the public to:

• Remain calm and stay indoors

• Avoid sharing unverified news or videos

• Cooperate with local authorities and checkpoints

• Report any abandoned or suspicious objects

The District Administration has assured that the situation is under control, and efforts are being made to restore normalcy at the earliest.

The encounter in Poonch’s Surankote region underscores the continuing threat of terrorism in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. While Operation All Out has considerably weakened the infrastructure of militant outfits, the battle is far from over.

The commitment of India’s security forces to protect the territorial and civil integrity of the Union Territory remains resolute and unwavering. As operations like the one in Poonch continue, they send a clear message: terrorism will find no shelter in Jammu and Kashmir.