Srinagar, India – The Harwan area of Srinagar is under heightened security following a fierce gunfight between terrorists and a joint team comprising the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The area has been cordoned off, with all access roads blocked to maintain civilian safety and conduct ongoing operations effectively.
The operation commenced in the early hours of December 2, after receiving specific intelligence that indicated the presence of militants in the upper reaches of the Dachigam Forest. A coordinated search operation involving the Rashtriya Rifles, the Special Operations Group of the J&K Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force’s Quick Action Team was displayed at the forefront of this tactical endeavor.
During the encounter, security forces successfully eliminated Junaid Ramzan Bhat, a senior commander of the militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. Bhat had gained notoriety for masterminding the Z-Morh tunnel attack, which resulted in the tragic deaths of seven civilians. The Z-Morh tunnel, considered a crucial infrastructure project, facilitates year-round access between Kangan town and the popular Sonamarg tourist destination while bypassing the avalanche-prone Gagangir region. His removal from the operational landscape is regarded as a significant victory for security forces, not only due to his direct involvement in terror acts but also because of his attempts to undermine both civilian life and essential infrastructure progress in the area.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps has issued a statement confirming the ongoing operation, noting, “Op Dachigam, Srinagar on 02 Dec 2024; based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army & Jammu Kashmir Police at upper reaches Dachigam Forest, Srinagar. During the search, initial contact was established. Operation is in progress.” The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, performing combing operations in the area to ensure that no further threats are present.
The Z-Morh tunnel, extending 6.412 kilometers, serves not only as a pivotal link to Sonamarg but also bolsters strategic logistical access to Ladakh. This vital infrastructure has attracted the attention of terrorist factions aiming to disrupt connectivity and hinder developmental initiatives in the region.
The operation in Harwan is part of a broader series of counter-terrorism measures implemented by the Indian Army’s Northern Command in collaboration with the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police. Their strategic focus aims to neutralize high-value targets, dismantle terrorist networks, and safeguard ongoing infrastructure development critical to the region’s progress. Continued updates are expected as operation efforts unfold.
