Kulgam anti-terror op enters 8th day; forces deploy commandos, high-tech gear

Srinagar, Aug 08: Security forces are engaged in an anti-terror operation in the Akhal Devsar area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district for the eighth consecutive day, in what officials say is the longest such encounter in the Valley in two decades.One terrorist has been killed so far. Security officials said another body has been sighted but not yet retrieved. The operation began last week after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the forested area.Troops from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and Special Operations Group are involved in the joint operation. The Army’s Chinar Corps said intermittent and intense firing has continued, with forces maintaining contact and tightening the cordon.Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat visited the encounter site today for the fifth time in eight days, accompanied by Inspector General of Police Kashmir. Senior officers reviewed the situation and briefed local commanders.The DGP praised the coordinated effort of all security agencies, stating that “the sustained pressure and synergy between forces are crucial in ensuring the complete elimination of the terrorists and restoration of peace in the area.A senior Army officer told Rising Kashmir that this is one of the most prolonged and challenging operations carried out in recent years.“The terrorists are hiding in extremely dense forest with steep gradients, thick undergrowth, and limited visibility. They are well-armed and are trying to take advantage of the difficult terrain to prolong the fight,” he said.The Army officer said the troops, however, are maintaining continuous pressure, using calibrated fire, surveillance drones, and night vision to track their movement.”We are determined to ensure that none of them escape and that the area is completely sanitised before the operation is called off,” he said.As per defence sources, specialised commando teams from the Army and J&K Police have been deployed to the operation site, equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance drones, thermal imagers, and night-vision devices to track the movement of terrorists in the dense forest.They said the terrain, marked by thick undergrowth and steep slopes, has forced security forces to use precision tactics, including calibrated fire and aerial monitoring, to prevent any escape.Additional reinforcement units remain on standby to plug possible exit routes and support the teams engaged in the cordon.