South Kashmir: Four Terrorists Eliminated, One Injured as Operation Akhal Enters Day 3 in Kulgam Forests

Kulgam: The Indian Army’s Operation Akhal entered its third consecutive day on Sunday amid intensified gunfire between security forces and a group of heavily armed militants hiding in the dense forested region of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. So far, four terrorists have been gunned down and one injured in the prolonged encounter. One army soldier has also sustained injuries in the exchange and is reported to be stable.

According to official updates from the Army’s Chinar Corps, the overnight operation saw “intermittent” but fierce firefights as troops pushed deeper into the rugged Akhal forest zone. “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact,” the Army said in a statement.

The combing operation, launched on the morning of August 1 (Friday), was initiated after credible intelligence indicated the presence of a terrorist module in the Akhal forest belt. A joint team of the Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police laid a cordon around the area. Firing first broke out that same evening as militants opened fire on the advancing troops.

After a brief halt overnight, fresh reinforcements were rushed in, and the security perimeter was strengthened to prevent any breakout. The encounter resumed on Saturday morning, leading to the elimination of two terrorists. The overnight action that followed brought the toll to four by early Sunday.

One of the neutralised militants has been identified as Haris Nazir Dar, a resident of Rajpora in Pulwama. He was reportedly linked to a proscribed terror outfit, though official confirmation is awaited.

Security officials believe the group initially included four to five operatives. The condition of the injured terrorist is currently unknown, and the operation is ongoing as troops continue combing operations across difficult terrain marked by thick vegetation and narrow ridges.

A senior police officer involved in the operation confirmed, “The area has been under close surveillance. We are ensuring that none of the remaining militants escape. The cordon is intact, and additional units have been deployed to assist in final sweeps.”