Two soldiers died, and five terrorists were gunned down by security forces in separate gunfights in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, officials said. The first encounter occurred in Modergam village, where Lance Naik Pradeep Nain, a para commando, was killed in action. Security forces launched the operation based on intelligence input and cornered at least two to three terrorists in their hideout. Informing about the gunfight, the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, “Encounter started at Modergam Village of #Kulgam District. Police and Security Forces are on work. Further details shall follow.” A second gunfight broke out in Frisal Chinnigam village after security forces received a tip-off about possible Lashkar terrorists in the area. Havaldar Raj Kumar of the 1st Rashtriya Rifles lost his life during the operation. One terrorist was believed to be trapped. Upon reaching the village, security forces were fired upon by terrorists hiding in a house, triggering a gunfight. The intense exchange of gunfire continued at both locations. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, VK Birdhi, visited the encounter sites and stated that the anti-terror operation would continue. Last month, two top commanders from The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, were trapped in a house during a gunfight with security forces in Pulwama district
