Fresh Gunfight in Kulgam Enters Third Day
KULGAM (Jammu and Kashmir), August 3 — An anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its third day on Sunday, with security forces continuing their efforts to flush out hiding militants in the dense forest region of Akhal. The operation was relaunched early Sunday morning following a brief overnight pause and has already resulted in the killing of three terrorists since it began Friday evening.
According to official sources, the encounter erupted after intelligence agencies alerted local security units about the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the Akhal forest belt. A joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Special Operations Group (SOG) launched a coordinated cordon-and-search operation late Friday.
An initial exchange of fire occurred on Friday evening before the operation was briefly halted during the night. Security forces reinforced their positions and tightened the cordon around the suspected hideout to prevent the militants from escaping under the cover of darkness.
Use of Drones and Thermal Sensors
On Saturday morning, the operation resumed in full force, leading to the elimination of two terrorists. By Sunday, security forces confirmed that a third terrorist had been neutralized. The operation remains active as more militants are suspected to be hiding in the area.
“In the ongoing operation at Akhal, Kulgam, alert troops responded with calibrated fire throughout the night,” the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The forces tightened the noose and maintained contact with the hiding terrorists. So far, one terrorist has been neutralised today. Operation continues.”
To aid the mission, troops are utilizing high-end surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging devices. These tools have proven crucial in locating militants hiding in thick vegetation or rugged terrain, especially during night hours or in poor visibility conditions.
Reinforcements Rushed to Conflict Zone
Officials revealed that after the initial gunfight on Friday, additional troops were airlifted and dispatched to the site to plug potential escape routes and assist in the search efforts. The security perimeter was expanded overnight to ensure no civilian movement occurred in or out of the region during the active engagement.
“There was no firing through most of Friday night after the initial exchange. The forces adopted a cautious strategy and continued to monitor the area,” said a senior police official. “With daylight on Saturday, we resumed active operations, leading to a significant breakthrough.”
High Alert in South Kashmir
The ongoing operation comes amid heightened tensions in South Kashmir, where sporadic encounters between militants and security forces have been reported in recent weeks. Intelligence agencies believe that a fresh group of infiltrators may have entered the region recently, prompting stepped-up vigil and surveillance in districts like Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam.
Security experts suggest the Akhal encounter points to a shifting trend where militants are now using forested regions and difficult terrain to avoid early detection and prolong engagements with security forces.
“The terrain plays a crucial role in such encounters. These are not just firefights; they are tactical missions requiring coordination, patience, and planning,” said a retired Army officer familiar with counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir.
Civilian Safety Remains a Priority
Authorities have confirmed that no civilian casualties have been reported during the ongoing operation. Movement in nearby villages has been restricted as a precautionary measure. Local residents were asked to remain indoors while security forces continue to comb the area.
Meanwhile, the identification and affiliations of the slain terrorists are being established. Sources indicate they could belong to a newly formed module attempting to establish a base in South Kashmir.
As the operation continues, forces remain on high alert, prepared for any escalation. The mission underscores the persistent challenges in maintaining peace in the region, even as security agencies work relentlessly to dismantle terror networks.
