Encounter in J&K’s Kulgam claims two soldiers as akhal forest manhunt stretches into 9th day

Two Indian Army soldiers were killed and two others injured in an overnight gunfight as a tense counter-terrorism operation in south Kashmir’s Akhal forest entered its ninth day — one of the Valley’s longest such pursuits in recent years.

The Army identified the fallen as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh. “Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us,” the Valley-based Chinar Corps posted on X, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.

Police sources said the fatal exchange occurred late August 8 when troops advancing through the dense, pitch-dark forest came under sudden fire. Four soldiers were wounded; two later succumbed. In total, six soldiers have been injured since the standoff began, while one militant was neutralized on the opening day.

The drawn-out nature of the operation stems from the challenging terrain — a thickly wooded expanse linked to multiple routes in south Kashmir — and intelligence suggesting four to five heavily armed terrorists remain concealed.

Troops have deployed drones, armed UAVs, and helicopters, sealing possible escape corridors and tightening the noose from multiple directions.

The encounter’s length and intensity have underscored both the operational complexity and the high stakes of rooting out entrenched militants from one of the Valley’s most formidable landscapes.