Two soldiers killed as anti-insurgency operation enters day 9 in south Kashmir’s Kulgam

Kulgam, Aug 09: Two soldiers have been killed in an ongoing encounter between terrorists and security personnel in the Akhal forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the encounter entered its ninth day today.

The fallen Army personnel have been identified as L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, they said.

The Indian Army honoured “the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts” and expressed its deepest condolences, stating that it stands in solidarity with the bereaved families.

In a post on X, the Chinar Corps said, “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us.”

The Corps further added, “#IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”

Officials said, eleven security personnel have been injured in the operation since the beginning of the operation. adding that the operation is still ongoing, and further details are awaited.

Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter, which began on August 1 after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides last Friday, the operation was halted for the night, but the cordon was strengthened, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area, officials said.

When the firing resumed the next day, two terrorists were killed. The identity and the group affiliation of the slain terrorists have not been ascertained so far.

Security forces have maintained a tight cordon in the area and continued to battle the terrorists hiding in dense forests.

Senior police and Army officers, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat, and the Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are closely monitoring the operation round-the-clock, officials said.

Security forces have pressed drones and helicopters into service to track the terrorists down in the forest area. Para commandos were also assisting the security forces in neutralising the hiding ultras.