Overview
- Contact was established on precise police input when a small SOG team engaged suspects around 6 p.m. in Soan, Majalta.
- One SOG policeman died of injuries from the evening exchange of fire, and Daily Excelsior identified him as Amjad Pathan, with two others reported injured.
- At least one militant is believed to have been hit in the initial firefight, though the number and condition of those trapped remain unconfirmed.
- Reinforcements tightened the cordon and blocked escape routes as the operation was suspended for the night with searches set to resume at first light.
- Authorities cite a likely Jaish-e-Mohammad link as the J&K Police SOG, the Army, and the CRPF continue the joint operation in difficult terrain and darkness.