Srinagar: The longest encounter in decades between security forces and terrorists hiding in the deep Akhal forests of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its seventh day on Thursday.
Officials told KNO that the intermittent firing continued throughout the night, resulting in injuries to three more army personnel.
“Half dozen security personnel have been injured so far in the encounter. The injured soldiers were shifted to a military hospital for treatment,” they added.
“During the exchange of fire, three soldiers sustained injuries on Thursday,” an official said, adding that the search operation is ongoing with reinforcements deployed.
The encounter began last Friday after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Akhal forest area following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.
After the initial exchange of fire on Friday evening, the operation was paused for the night, but the cordon was tightened and additional reinforcements were sent in. One terrorist has also been killed in the ongoing operation.
“The operation entered its seventh day today and is ongoing. This is the longest encounter in decades in Kashmir,” the officials said.
They added that drones, UAVs, and attack helicopters are being used to track down the terrorists in the difficult forest terrain.
“Security forces are exercising extreme caution to avoid collateral damage and ensure safety,” they said.
J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat arrived at the Kulgam encounter site to review the ongoing operation for the third time in seven days. He was accompanied by IGP Kashmir and other senior officials.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir and was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the region.
In a post shared on X, the Northern Command of the Indian Army stated, “Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir, where he was briefed on the security situation, operational readiness and ongoing operations.”
“He complimented all ranks for their steadfastness and resilience, enabling the Indian Army’s resolute commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region,” the X post read. (KNO)
