One Terrorist Killed in Op Arahama in Kashmir Encounter with Indian Army

At least one terrorist was killed in an encounter with the Indian security forces in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) night during a cordon and search operation.

“Army OP ARAHAMA: During the night of 31 Mar 26, the cordon was tactically reorganised amidst intermittent firing. Our troops effectively retaliated with a calibrated response, resulting in the elimination of one terrorist. The operation is in progress,” the Indian Army posted on social media on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

The encounter between the security forces and the terrorists broke out on Tuesday (March 31) night, following a targeted anti-terror operation in the district, the Indian Army officials said.

A joint team of the security forces, comprising army personnel and Jammu and Kashmir Police, initiated a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Arabhama area after receiving specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists there.

During the security forces’ tactical sweep of the forest, they observed suspicious movement and challenged the suspects. “During the search, vigilant troops observed suspicious activity. On being challenged, terrorists opened fire and security forces retaliated,” the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps stated in a post on X.

Reports from the ground indicated that gunshots were heard echoing from the cordoned-off woods, prompting authorities to rush additional reinforcements to the site to seal all possible escape routes.

Officials assessed that two to three terrorists were trapped within the security cordon as a heavy exchange of fire created a tense atmosphere in the district.

Operation Arahama remained active on Wednesday (April 1) as security personnel maintained a tight vigil over the perimeter. Local officials have restricted movement in the immediate vicinity of the search area to ensure public safety and to facilitate the ongoing tactical engagement.

“Reinforcements have been rushed to the spot,” an official confirmed, adding that further details regarding the identity or affiliation of the trapped militants are still awaited.

“All escape routes of the terrorists have been sealed. Two terrorists are believed to be hiding in the village, and they have been engaged in a sustained gunfight,” officials said.

Ganderbal district in north Kashmir had been relatively peaceful with no terrorist presence reported from there in recent months until Tuesday’s (March 31) security operations.

The last known terror attack in Ganderbal was reported on October 20, 2024, when a workers’ camp near the Sonamarg Z-Morh tunnel construction site in Gangangir was targeted, killing seven persons, including six non-local workers and a local medical practitioner. Several others were injured in the attack then.