A prolonged counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, codenamed ‘Operation Akhal,’ has entered its ninth day, tragically claiming the lives of two Indian Army soldiers. The encounter, which began on August 1, has become one of the longest ongoing anti-terror operations in the region this year.
Bravehearts Make Supreme Sacrifice
The Indian Army confirmed the deaths of two of its personnel, identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, in the line of duty. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army paid tribute to their sacrifice in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”
In addition to the two soldiers who lost their lives, four other troops were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. The operation has also resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist, with the body being recovered from the site. Reports suggest that a total of three terrorists may have been killed, but official confirmation is still pending.
Details of the Operation
‘Operation Akhal’ was launched following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Akhal-Khulsan forest area of Kulgam. The joint security forces, comprising the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), initiated a massive cordon and search operation.
The initial exchange of fire occurred on August 1, after which the operation was briefly paused overnight. However, the security cordon was tightened, and additional troops were deployed, with the firefight resuming the next day. The challenging terrain, including thick foliage, caves, and boulders, has provided the terrorists with significant hideouts, making the operation particularly difficult. Heavy rainfall in the region has further compounded these challenges, impacting visibility and ground movement.
Senior officials, including the Northern Army Commander and the J&K Police chief, have been closely monitoring the situation. Drones, helicopters, and elite para commando teams have been deployed to assist in tracking and neutralizing the remaining militants.
A Sustained Anti-Terrorism Push
The prolonged operation in Kulgam is part of a broader, intensified drive by security forces to dismantle the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus remains not just on eliminating terrorists but also on disrupting their support networks. The ongoing operation underscores the commitment of the Indian security forces to maintaining peace and stability in the region despite the significant risks involved.
