Kulgam
Two Indian Army soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, were killed in action during a fierce, ongoing encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Indian Army confirmed on Saturday. Two additional soldiers were injured in the operation, which entered its ninth day, marking it as one of the longest anti-militancy efforts in the Kashmir Valley. The operation, launched on August 1 in the Akhal forest area, has so far neutralized four militants, with security forces intensifying efforts to track down any remaining threats in the dense terrain.
A Deadly and Prolonged Operation
The encounter began after security forces, acting on precise intelligence, initiated a cordon-and-search operation in the forested Akhal region of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. On August 1, an initial exchange of gunfire erupted, but operations were paused overnight as reinforcements, including para commandos, were deployed to tighten the perimeter. The following day, one militant was killed, and intermittent firefights have continued, with three additional militants neutralized by August 9. The identities and affiliations of the slain militants remain under investigation, though sources suggest at least three were foreign operatives trained in jungle warfare.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldiers in a statement on X: “Chinar Corps honors the supreme sacrifice of the L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families.” The operation remains active, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon.
Challenging Terrain and Tactical Response
The prolonged nature of Operation Akhal, as it’s been dubbed, stems from the rugged, forested terrain of Kulgam, which provides cover for militants adept at evading detection. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, who has been overseeing the operation on-site, acknowledged the difficulties: “The terrain is tough, and the forest is dense, but we will track them down.” Security forces have deployed drones, helicopters, and advanced surveillance tools, including thermal imaging, to locate the remaining militants, believed to number one or two out of an initial group of five.
Senior military and police officials, including Army Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, have been closely monitoring the operation, with regular visits to the site. The use of para commandos underscores the high stakes, as intelligence suggests the militants are well-trained.
Context of Rising Militancy
The Kulgam operation follows a deadly year for occupied Kashmir, marked by a surge in militant activity. On April 22, 2025, a horrific attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley claimed 26 civilian lives, primarily Hindu tourists.
