Kulgam: Two Indian Army soldiers lost their lives in an intense encounter with terrorists in the Kulgam district as Operation Akhal entered its ninth consecutive day on Saturday. The fallen heroes have been identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, whose bravery and sacrifice have drawn nationwide tributes.
According to official sources, the prolonged counterterror operation has so far left ten soldiers injured, with two more sustaining wounds during fierce overnight gunfire. The joint operation is being conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Special Operations Group (SOG).
The Chinar Corps paid heartfelt homage to the soldiers in a statement on social media, saying: “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families.”
Security forces have confirmed that one terrorist has been neutralised in the operation so far. The encounter began earlier this week when troops engaged with heavily armed militants entrenched in difficult terrain.
On Friday night, the Chinar Corps reported intermittent but heavy exchange of fire as forces maintained pressure on the hiding terrorists. “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact,” the statement said.
In a related development, Baramulla Police uncovered and destroyed a terrorist hideout in the Gogaldara–Danwas forest area, seizing incriminating materials.
