Kulgam Operation: Longest Anti-Terror Battle of 2025 in Kashmir

The ongoing encounter in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir has entered its eighth consecutive day, marking one of the lengthiest anti-terror operations in the Valley this year. Security forces, backed by drones, helicopters, and elite para commando units, continue their intense search for terrorists entrenched in the dense forest terrain of Akhal in south Kashmir.

Officials confirmed that two terrorists have been killed so far during the prolonged gunfight. However, their identity and militant group affiliation remain unknown at this stage. The operation, which began last Friday following credible intelligence inputs, has witnessed intermittent bursts of heavy gunfire as the cordon tightens around the suspected hideouts.


High-Tech Surveillance and Heavy Deployment

Security forces have pulled out all stops to ensure no escape routes remain for the hiding terrorists. Advanced drones have been deployed for aerial surveillance, mapping potential movement, and identifying heat signatures in the forest canopy. Helicopters have been engaged for rapid troop movement and real-time monitoring of the encounter zone.

The terrain, marked by thick forest cover and steep slopes, has significantly slowed the pace of the operation. Senior police and army officials, including Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, have personally reviewed the ground situation over the past two days. Both leaders also assessed the broader counter-terrorism grid across South Kashmir, ensuring resources are optimally positioned to prevent any militant escape or reinforcement.


Initial Firefight and Casualties

The encounter began on Friday last week when joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation after receiving intelligence about terrorist presence in the Akhal forest area.

The first exchange of fire took place shortly after troops reached the suspected site. Following the initial firefight, the operation was temporarily paused for the night due to challenging visibility and terrain constraints. Security forces reinforced the perimeter overnight, deploying additional troops to seal possible escape routes.

The next morning, fresh contact with the terrorists led to a fierce gun battle. Two terrorists were killed in that exchange, though the exact number of militants still hiding remains unclear. Seven security personnel have sustained injuries over the course of the operation, though none are reported to be critical.


One of the Longest Operations in Recent History

Military officials note that this is the longest-running anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley so far in 2025, and among the longest in the past several years in Jammu and Kashmir. Prolonged encounters of this nature are rare, with most operations typically concluding within 24 to 72 hours.

The drawn-out nature of the Kulgam encounter reflects both the difficult topography and the possibility that the remaining terrorists are heavily armed and strategically positioned in fortified hideouts. Security forces have been working methodically to minimize their own casualties while tightening the noose on the militants.


Strategic Importance of Kulgam and South Kashmir

Kulgam district, located in South Kashmir, has witnessed a rise in terrorist activity over recent months, with security agencies foiling multiple infiltration attempts and busting sleeper cells. The region’s forested pockets offer natural cover to militants, making operations here particularly challenging.

By keeping the engagement steady and sustained, security forces aim to ensure that this operation serves as a strong deterrent to future militant movements in the region. Officials emphasize that the current encounter is not just about neutralising terrorists but also about dismantling their support infrastructure in the area.


Operation Ongoing, Situation Monitored Round-the-Clock

Authorities have reiterated that the encounter will continue until all hiding terrorists are neutralised. With drones and helicopters maintaining constant aerial watch and para commandos assisting ground troops, the security forces are confident of concluding the operation successfully.

Residents of nearby areas have been advised to remain indoors and cooperate with the ongoing security measures. Given the scale and duration of the operation, it is being closely followed across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond, highlighting the challenges of counter-terrorism efforts in difficult mountainous terrain.

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