Two Soldiers Fall in Kulgam Gunfight
Two Indian Army soldiers, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, were killed during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The gunfight, now in its ninth day, is one of the longest in recent memory, highlighting the entrenched position of the terrorists in the dense forest area. The Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, honoring their bravery and dedication to the nation.
Ongoing Anti-Terror Operation
The operation involves hundreds of troops, including special forces and para-troopers, as they work to neutralize the terrorists. Security forces have deployed drones and attack helicopters to target suspected hideouts within the thick alpine forests of Akhal. Despite heavy firing and occasional explosions, the operation continues with caution due to the challenging terrain.
Injuries and Tactical Challenges
Official sources report that two more soldiers were injured overnight, bringing the total number of injured personnel to ten. The difficult terrain and forest cover have made it challenging for security forces to track down the terrorists, who are believed to be well-trained in jungle warfare.
High-Level Supervision and Strategic Efforts
Top police and army commanders are frequently visiting the site to oversee the operation. Director General of Police J&K, Nalin Prabhath, is personally supervising the efforts, emphasizing the complexity of the mission due to the terrain. Initial intelligence suggested the presence of five terrorists, including at least three foreign operatives skilled in jungle combat.
Context of Recent Operations
The Kulgam encounter follows a successful operation in Srinagar’s upper reaches, where security forces eliminated three terrorists responsible for a massacre in Pahalgam. These operations underscore ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.