In a dramatic and tragic turn of events in Jammu and Kashmir’s volatile Kulgam district, a 23-year-old man accused of aiding terrorists drowned after he leapt into a river while attempting to flee from a joint security operation. The man, identified as Imtiaz Ahmad Magray, had allegedly provided food, shelter, and other logistical support to militants hiding in the dense forests of the Tangmarg region. His death has raised several questions, even as security forces intensify their counterterrorism efforts in southern Kashmir.

Man Taken into Custody for Allegedly Assisting Terrorists

Security sources revealed that Magray was apprehended by Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday based on intelligence inputs linking him to recent militant movements in the area. During preliminary interrogation, the youth reportedly confessed to aiding a group of terrorists by supplying them with food and basic necessities and facilitating their movement through the forested terrain. He was believed to be acting as a conduit between local militant operatives and external support networks, though a deeper probe had just begun.

Investigators had received actionable intelligence that terrorists were holed up in the upper reaches of Tangmarg forest, a region notorious for its rough terrain and dense cover, which has often been exploited by militants for shelter and movement. According to officials, Magray agreed to assist the security forces in locating the suspected hideout.

Joint Operation Launched to Flush Out Militants

Following his cooperation, a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army was formed to conduct a targeted operation early Sunday morning. The team moved under tight security towards the suspected site in Tangmarg, accompanied by Magray who was meant to lead them to the terrorist shelter. The area lies close to the Veshaw River, which snakes through the rugged valley and presents both a natural barrier and a potential escape route for those familiar with its terrain.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured from an elevated area show Magray pausing briefly to scan his surroundings before abruptly bolting toward the river. The video, which quickly circulated on social media platforms, depicts the 23-year-old running toward the Veshaw River and, to the astonishment of the security personnel, jumping into the fast-moving water from a rocky embankment.

Dramatic Escape Attempt Ends in Tragedy

Security forces stationed nearby immediately attempted to intervene, but Magray was quickly swept away by the river’s strong current. Local rescue teams, assisted by the army’s search units, launched a frantic operation to trace him. Hours later, his lifeless body was recovered downstream.

Initial medical examination confirmed that he had died from drowning. The body was handed over to his family after all legal formalities were completed. Authorities are awaiting the final postmortem report, although no signs of physical assault or injury were reported apart from those caused by the riverbed’s rocky surfaces.

Official Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior police officer involved in the operation confirmed that Magray had been under watch for some time. "We had specific intelligence suggesting that he was providing safe passage and shelter to terrorists operating in the area. He was cooperating initially, but it appears he tried to mislead the forces or possibly warn the militants. His sudden jump into the river was unexpected," the officer said.

While officials believe that Magray may have panicked at the thought of possible retribution from the terrorists or legal consequences of his actions, others suspect he may have had an ulterior motive—perhaps trying to alert the militants of the approaching security forces or escape custody under the guise of cooperation.

The investigation has now shifted focus toward uncovering the larger network in which Magray was allegedly involved. Police are trying to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a broader logistical support cell aiding terrorists in South Kashmir. Mobile phone data, call records, and social media interactions are being analyzed to identify other possible collaborators.

Security Challenges in the Region

Kulgam, located in South Kashmir, has been a hotbed of militant activity over the past few years. Security forces frequently encounter resistance from local operatives providing support to foreign and domestic terrorist groups operating in the region. Forested areas like Tangmarg and mountainous zones near the Pir Panjal range are often used as hiding spots due to the cover they provide and limited accessibility.

The incident underscores the complexities involved in counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where civilian collaboration with militant elements remains a significant concern. For security forces, such cooperation with suspects is a calculated risk that can either lead to successful neutralization of threats or, as in this case, end in unexpected setbacks.

Public and Political Reactions

The incident has sparked mixed reactions among the local population. While some residents expressed shock and grief over the young man’s death, others criticized the system that allowed someone accused of aiding terrorists to guide security forces without sufficient safeguards in place. Social media platforms were abuzz with debates, with some alleging custodial negligence and others calling the escape attempt an indication of Magray’s guilt.

Human rights organizations have not issued a formal statement yet, but regional political observers note that incidents like these often deepen public mistrust toward law enforcement, particularly when transparency is perceived to be lacking. The authorities have so far refrained from sharing the entire footage or details of the interrogation leading up to the operation, citing security and investigation priorities.

Search Continues for Terrorist Hideout

Despite the setback, the joint forces have continued their operation in the Tangmarg forest to track down the militants Magray allegedly supported. Search operations have intensified, and drones along with sniffer dogs have been deployed to comb through the thick foliage and caves in the surrounding area. No contact has been made with the suspected terrorists yet, but the forces remain on high alert.

As the search continues and investigations into Magray’s background deepen, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the conflict in Kashmir, where local youth can become entangled in violent networks, sometimes with fatal consequences.