Kulgam, August 8, 2025 : In one of the longest anti-terror operations witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, the encounter in Kulgam district entered its eighth day on Friday, with security forces continuing their efforts to neutralise terrorists hiding in the dense forest area, officials said.
Senior officers from both the police and the Army are closely monitoring the ongoing operation. On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited the area to assess the situation firsthand. Army’s Northern Commander, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, also reviewed the overall security and counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir and was briefed on the operation.
“The operation is ongoing, with intermittent exchange of fire,” an official confirmed. He added that drones, helicopters, and para commandos have been deployed to assist in tracking and eliminating the terrorists in the rugged terrain.
So far, two terrorists have been killed since the encounter began last Friday, following a cordon and search operation in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam, based on specific intelligence inputs. The identity and affiliation of the slain militants are yet to be confirmed.
After the initial gunfight on the first day, the operation was temporarily halted overnight, with the cordon reinforced and additional forces rushed in. Hostilities resumed the next morning, leading to the neutralisation of the two militants.
Seven security personnel have sustained injuries during the prolonged operation, officials said.
This operation is not only the longest in the Valley this year but also ranks among the lengthiest anti-terror campaigns ever conducted in Jammu and Kashmir.
