Counter-insurgency operation in the Akhal forest area of the Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir entered its 7th day on Thursday, as the GOC Northern Command reviewed the anti-terrorism grid in the south Kashmir districts.
The operation continues in the dense forest ranges, with security forces racing against time to apprehend the remaining militants believed to be hiding in the area.
The operation started last week with security forces from the Indian Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir launching a joint cordon and search operation in the area following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of some militants in the area.
According to Valley-based Chinar Corps, so far, one militant has been killed while the hunt for remaining militants continues in the forest belt. Apart from the killing of one militant, four Army soldiers have also sustained injuries in the initial exchange of gunfire. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
On Thursday, officials said, “Operation Akhal continues; heavy firing and explosions were reported throughout the night. The operation is likely to continue in the coming days and could become one of the longest encounters in Kashmir in decades.”
Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma visited Devsar and reviewed the Counter-Terrorism Grid in South Kashmir, where he was briefed on the security situation, operational readiness and ongoing operations.
The Indian Army has pressed the Rudra helicopters, drones and para-commandos into service to ensure that the hiding militants are unable to escape.
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