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2 Soldiers Killed, 2 Injured in Kishtwar Firefight; Polls There Due in Five Days

Just days before elections are set to take place in the area, a fierce encounter broke out between Indian security forces and militants in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The gun battle resulted in the tragic loss of two soldiers’ lives, with two more sustaining injuries.

The incident occurred on Friday when a joint team of the Indian Army and police launched a cordon and search operation in the Dachan area of Kishtwar, following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants. As the security forces closed in on the hideout, the militants opened fire, leading to an intense firefight.

“In the ensuing exchange of fire, two soldiers were killed and two others injured. The injured personnel have been evacuated to a military hospital for treatment,” an Army spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the militants managed to escape, taking advantage of the dense forest cover in the area. A search operation is currently underway to locate and neutralize the terrorists.

This encounter comes at a sensitive time, with assembly elections scheduled to take place in Kishtwar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir starting from November 28. Security has been tightened across the region to ensure a peaceful polling process.

Recent Encounters in Jammu and Kashmir

This is not an isolated incident; there have been several encounters between security forces and militants in the region recently:

• On November 22, four soldiers were injured in a gunfight with terrorists in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• On November 17, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Kulgam district.
• On November 13, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was killed in an encounter with militants in the Rajouri sector.

The spate of encounters has raised concerns about the security situation in the region, especially in the run-up to the elections. The government and security forces are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents that may disrupt the democratic process.

Steps Taken to Ensure Peaceful Polls

To ensure a smooth and secure election, the authorities have taken several measures:

1. Additional deployment of security personnel in sensitive areas
2. Regular patrolling and area domination exercises by the Army and police
3. Intensified intelligence gathering to preempt any terror threats
4. Engagement with local communities to build trust and gather information

Despite the challenges, the government remains committed to conducting free and fair elections in the region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to exercise their democratic right and choose their representatives.

As the polls approach, all eyes are on the security situation in Kishtwar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the elections are held peacefully, without any major incidents.

The sacrifices made by the soldiers in the line of duty serve as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by security forces in the region. Their bravery and dedication to safeguarding the nation are commendable.

In the coming days, the success of the elections in Jammu and Kashmir will hinge on the ability of the authorities to maintain peace and provide a secure environment for voters to exercise their franchise.

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