Guns Fall Silent After Six Days of Firefight

SRINAGAR: The fierce encounter between militants and security forces in Akhal Devsar area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district has stretched into its sixth consecutive day, with overnight gunfire giving way to a tense silence from today Wednesday morning.

Officials sources said that heavy exchange of fire took place throughout the night on Wednesday as security forces tightened their grip on the area, aiming to flush out the hiding militants. “The firing halted in the morning of Wednesday, but the operation is still very much active. A massive search operation is underway,” sources said.

Security forces, comprising personnel from the Army, CRPF, and JK Police, elite Para Commandos continue to maintain a strict cordon around the entire locality, ensuring no escape routes for the militants.

Drones and other surveillance equipment are being used to monitor movement inside the encounter zone, while additional reinforcements have been deployed to plug all possible entry and exit points. Officials assured that every measure is being taken to minimize collateral damage and ensure the safety of civilians.

This operation, one of the longest in recent times in Kulgam, began last week after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the Akhal Devsar belt. Though authorities have not disclosed the exact number of militants trapped, sources indicate that multiple armed individuals are holed up in the area.

Police officials said further details, including the identities and affiliations of the militants, will be shared after the operation concludes. “The priority remains neutralizing the threat while avoiding casualties among security forces and civilians,” a senior officer added.

As the operation enters a crucial phase, officials said the cordon will remain in place until the area is fully sanitized. (KNC)