A high-stakes anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district stretched into its sixth day on Wednesday, as security forces intensified their hunt for militants hiding in the dense forests of Akhal Devsar. The operation, dubbed Operation Akhal, has already neutralized two terrorists, with at least two security personnel injured, amid intermittent gunfire in the rugged Pir Panjal foothills.
Launched on Friday, August 1, following precise intelligence about terrorist presence, the joint operation involves the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Security forces have employed advanced technology, including drones and helicopters, to track the ultras in the challenging terrain, where dense foliage and uneven ground provide cover for the militants. A senior police official confirmed, “The operation is ongoing, with intermittent firing as we tighten the cordon.”
The encounter began with an exchange of fire on Friday evening, after which the operation was paused overnight, with reinforcements rushed to strengthen the cordon. Firing resumed Saturday morning, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, though their bodies remain unrecovered due to the ongoing gunbattle. Authorities suspect three to four additional militants may still be entrenched, possibly including foreign fighters trained in jungle warfare, linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-backed Resistance Front (TRF).
Also Read: Operation Akhal: Terrorist Neutralized in Fierce Kulgam Encounter
The operation follows a deadly April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed, with TRF claiming responsibility. Three perpetrators of that attack, including LeT commander Suleman, were killed in July’s Operation Mahadev in Srinagar’s Harwan area. Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament that the Pahalgam attackers, identified as Pakistani nationals, were neutralized, underscoring India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
On Tuesday, authorities evacuated villagers from Akhal needing medical attention, reflecting efforts to minimize civilian impact. The operation has drawn high-level oversight, with Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastava and DGP Nalin Prabhat visiting the site to monitor progress.
This marks the third major encounter in Jammu and Kashmir this week, with six terrorists killed across operations, including two in Poonch on July 30. The region has seen a surge in militant activity since the 2019 revocation of Article 370, with TRF emerging as a key player in targeting civilians and security forces. The ongoing Kulgam operation underscores the challenges of combating well-entrenched insurgents in forested areas, even as India bolsters its counter-terrorism strategy with advanced tech and coordinated efforts.
As the gunbattle continues, the identity and affiliations of the slain terrorists remain under investigation. Security forces remain on high alert, with the operation poised to deliver a significant blow to TRF’s local leadership if the remaining militants are neutralized.
Also Read: Operation Akhal: Terrorist Neutralized in Fierce Kulgam Encounter