Security Forces Corner Terrorists in Yusmarg, Budgam – Operation Ongoing

Early Thursday morning, the quiet slopes of Yusmarg in Budgam district turned into a flashpoint when about ten Para commandos, on a routine high‑altitude patrol, stumbled upon suspected militants hiding among the grasslands. A sudden burst of gunfire broke the silence, marking the start of a fierce, hour‑long clash.

Within minutes, reinforcements from the 53rd Rashtriya Rifles battalion surged to the scene. Their trucks roared up the winding tracks, and a tight cordon was quickly erected to block any escape routes, especially as dusk threatened to give the terrorists cover.

According to sources close to the operation, two of the heavily‑armed militants remain pinned inside the cordon. Police units from Khansahib police station, together with a contingent of CRPF personnel, have bolstered the perimeter, ensuring that the insurgents cannot slip away under the veil of night.

Intelligence agencies had earlier flagged Yusmarg as a possible hideout after intercepting chatter about foreign‑linked operatives moving into the area. The prompt reaction by the Para commandos reflects the army’s growing reliance on rapid‑response teams in Kashmir’s rugged terrain.

This isn’t the first time Budgam has witnessed a high‑stakes anti‑terror drill. Back in January 2023, a joint operation in Charar Shareef and Redbugh led to the neutralisation of two Lashkar‑e‑Taiba fighters after a brief but intense gunfight. A year prior, in January 2022, three Jaish‑e‑Mohammed militants were killed in an overnight encounter near Zolwa, Chadoora.

Historically, Budgam’s valleys have been theatres of conflict. The most infamous episode dates back to 1995, when Pakistani‑backed militant Mast Gul seized the revered shrine of Sheikh Noor‑ud‑Din in Charar‑e‑Sharief. The ensuing 66‑day standoff saw the Indian Army avoid a direct assault to protect the holy site, while the militants planted mines and explosives to thwart any advance. The deadlock finally ended in May when a blaze—believed to be set by the entrenched fighters—destroyed the shrine and many surrounding homes. The clash left roughly twenty militants, two soldiers and five civilians dead.

Today, with the cordon firmly in place and additional manpower on standby, security forces are conducting a meticulous sweep of the surrounding highlands. Their objective is clear: flush out the remaining terrorists, gather any weaponry or intelligence they might have left behind, and restore calm to the frightened local populace.

Residents of Yusmarg have been advised to stay indoors and cooperate with the ongoing operation. Authorities assure that the situation is under control and that the forces on the ground are taking every precaution to avoid civilian casualties while they bring the encounter to a decisive close.