Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Aug 4: The encounter in the Akhal forest area of Devsar in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its fourth day on Monday, with intermittent firing and explosions continuing.
The operation was launched on Friday evening after security forces received credible intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists hiding in the dense Akhal forest. As the troops moved in to cordon off the area, they came under fire, triggering a prolonged gun battle, according to officials.
“So far, one terrorist has been killed and four soldiers injured,” an official informed said, adding that the injured personnel are being treated at the Army hospital in Srinagar.
The firing is still going on, and terrorists appear to be firing from multiple directions, he added.
In a post on X, Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said, “OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact.”
“One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues,” the post added.
The Indian Army last night kept the terrorists engaged in intense gunfights to prevent them from escaping in the dark. This is one of the longest anti-terrorist operations, as it has taken four days and is likely to take more time.
Top police and Army officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and senior commanders from the Army’s 15 Corps, are closely monitoring the operation.
The encounter has stretched beyond 72 hours, with fierce exchanges of fire in dense and difficult terrain. “The thick forest and challenging landscape are slowing the progress,” the official said.
He said that to track and neutralise the remaining terrorists, the forces have deployed high-tech surveillance systems, drones, elite Para forces, and attack helicopters like the HAL Rudra. Ammunition was dropped through a hexacopter to eliminate the terrorists, he added.
The official said the source said additional deployments of security forces have been activated to maintain pressure on the hiding terrorists. “The cordon has been extended to a larger area,” he said.
