Indian forces continue operation against two militants in Shopian

A major counterterrorism operation targeting two local militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district entered its third day on Sunday, July 5, after a gunfight erupted the previous evening. Security forces have cordoned off a dense orchard area where the two men, identified as Latif and Zakir, are believed to be trapped.

The operation was initiated on Friday afternoon, July 3, after surveillance cameras spotted the two individuals in an orchard within the Meemandar area, which encompasses seven villages. A joint team comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) established a tight cordon. By Saturday evening, security personnel had cleared four of the villages within the operational zone.

Officials said the encounter began on Saturday when the trapped militants opened fire on approaching army personnel, who returned fire. The army's specialized counterinsurgency Victor Force has been deployed to seal all possible escape routes through the thick summer foliage, which provides natural cover, and has illuminated the area.

Both militants are residents of the neighboring Kulgam district in south Kashmir. According to security...