Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 4

Security forces intensified a cordon-and-search operation in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday after gunshots were heard during a search launched based on intelligence inputs about the presence of suspected militants, police said.

The operation was underway in the Saidpora area of Shopian when personnel conducting searches came under what officials described as brief firing, prompting the deployment of additional reinforcements and a tightening of the security cordon.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi confirmed that the operation was continuing after the exchange.

“Security forces were conducting a cordon-and-search operation in Saidpora when a few gunshots were heard from the area,” Birdi told reporters.

Officials said the area had been cordoned off following specific intelligence suggesting the presence of suspected militants.

Additional security personnel were rushed to the village after the firing, while search operations were expanded to prevent any possible escape from the area.

A senior police officer said security forces were realigning the cordon as darkness began to set in, adding that the operation would continue in a phased manner.

“The cordon is being aligned because of darkness. Searches will continue gradually,” the officer said. “At this stage, it is too early to say how many militants, if any, are trapped.”

There was no immediate official confirmation of casualties or injuries, and authorities said the operation was still in progress.

Police did not identify the militant group believed to be operating in the area or disclose the nature of the intelligence that led to the search operation.

Cordon-and-Search Operations (CASOs) remain a key component of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and are typically launched jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) following intelligence about militant movement or presence.

Shopian, along with neighbouring Pulwama district, has long been one of the focal points of anti-militancy operations in south Kashmir, where security forces periodically conduct searches based on intelligence inputs.

Officials said further details would be released after the operation concluded.