In a tense standoff in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, security forces engaged in a gunfight with terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The encounter took place in the Nehama area after intelligence inputs revealed a terror hideout.
### Details of the Encounter
1. **Location and Initial Action**:Â
  - The gunbattle started in Nehama, Pulwama, following inputs about a terror hideout.
  - Security forces, along with the police, initiated a cordon and search operation in the area.
2. **Response from Terrorists**:Â
  - The terrorists, upon being cornered, opened fire on the approaching security personnel.
  - This led to a gunfight between the security forces and the terrorists.
3. **Terrorists Involved**:Â
  - Two top commanders of TRF, Rayees Ahmad and Reyaz Ahmad Dar, both residents of Pulwama, were identified as being trapped in the hideout.
  - The house where they were hiding caught fire during the exchange, with smoke visibly billowing into the sky.
4. **On-the-Ground Situation**:
  - As the encounter continued, visuals showed the house on fire, indicating the intensity of the exchange.
  - There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.
### Ongoing Developments
- The exchange of fire is still active, and security forces are working to neutralize the threat posed by the terrorists.
- Further updates are expected as the situation evolves, and security forces remain on high alert.
### Background Context
- **The Resistance Front (TRF)**: This group is an offshoot of the notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror organization. TRF has been active in the region, with several high-profile incidents involving its operatives.
- **Previous Encounters**: Just a month ago, on May 7, two TRF terrorists, including Basit Dar, were killed in a similar encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district.
### Security Forces' Strategy
- Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir continue to conduct proactive operations against terrorist elements to ensure the safety and security of the region.
- These operations often involve intelligence-based actions, leading to cordons and subsequent encounters to eliminate threats.
The situation in Pulwama remains fluid, and security forces are working diligently to bring the encounter to a successful conclusion, ensuring the safety of local residents and the security personnel involved.
