Terrorists Cornered in Yusmarg, Budgam – Security Forces Launch Intensive Operation

In the early hours of Thursday, a small contingent of ten Para Commandos roamed the mist‑shrouded heights of Yusmarg, a meadow‑like stretch in Budgam district, J&K. The troops had been tipped off – a specific intelligence whisper about a handful of militants hiding amid the grasslands.

Before long, the quiet was shattered by a volley of gunfire as the commandos made contact with the suspected terrorists. The exchange was brief but fierce, signalling that the militants were not looking for a peaceful surrender.

Within minutes, the clash drew in a larger force. Fifty‑three soldiers from the Rashtriya Rifles rushed to the scene, reinforcing the cordon that the Para troops had already set up. The aim was clear: block any escape routes, especially as darkness loomed.

According to sources close to the operation, the area falls under the jurisdiction of Khansahib police station. The combined forces have now sealed off the zone, and it appears that two of the militants are trapped inside the cordon. Police and CRPF units have also been dispatched to tighten the perimeter, ensuring that the suspects cannot slip away under the cover of night.

This isn’t the first time Budgam has seen a flashpoint of militancy. Back in January 2023, a swift operation in Charar Shareef and Redbugh eliminated two Lashkar‑e‑Taiba operatives after a brief but intense gunfight. A year earlier, three Jaish‑e‑Muhammad members were neutralised in Zolwa, Chadoora. Even earlier, in October 2020, encounters on the outskirts of Chadoora and Nowgam led to the demise of several armed elements.

The most infamous standoff in the district dates back to 1995, when Pakistani militant Mast Gul and his cadre seized the historic shrine of Sheikh Noor‑ud‑din Noorani in Charar‑e‑Sharief. For 66 days the army surrounded the town, avoiding a direct assault to protect the holy site and civilian lives. The militants planted explosives and landmines, turning the streets into a deadly maze. The siege ended in a blaze that razed the shrine and hundreds of wooden houses; Mast Gul escaped amid the chaos, while roughly 20 militants, two soldiers and five civilians lost their lives.

Today, the Yusmarg operation reflects a similar resolve – a determined, multi‑layered response aimed at eradicating the lingering threat while sparing the local populace any unnecessary harm. As the night deepens, troops remain on high alert, ready for any escalation.