One killed in Budgam encounter as searches continue

Security forces said one person was killed during an encounter near Korag in the Yousmarg area of Budgam district on September 29, after troops came under fire during a search operation prompted by intelligence about suspected militant movement. The Army’s Chinar Corps said searches were continuing after the exchange. The operation was launched jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. In its account, the Chinar Corps said troops observed suspicious activity and challenged those present, who then opened fire. One person was killed in the ensuing exchange, the Army said. The reports do not provide a final outcome for the search operation. Officials subsequently identified the person killed as Sulaiman Shah, also known as Musa. The Army’s initial statement did not identify him, and another account gave a different name, Asif Fouji alias Moosa. The available reporting does not resolve the discrepancy, so the identity details remain inconsistent. Security officials described Musa as a Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba operative who was wanted in connection with attacks in the region.