Kulgam: The ongoing encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its second day on Tuesday as security forces continued their intense gunfight with militants holed up in the region. The operation, which began on Monday, has already resulted in the deaths of two terrorists and two Indian soldiers, along with an Army major suffering injuries.
According to officials, the exchange of fire between security forces and the terrorists resumed early this morning after a brief pause overnight. “The operation against militants in Kulgam has been reinitiated after a lull in firing,” an official statement confirmed.
The terrorists, who are believed to be affiliated with a local militant group, had been engaging with the security forces in the region since Monday afternoon. One of the militants is suspected to be a Pakistani national, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.
Casualties and Military Response
The operation has claimed the lives of two soldiers, who were killed during the fierce firefight, while an Army major was reported to be wounded in the clash. The identities of the slain soldiers are yet to be disclosed, as authorities are awaiting confirmation from their families. Security forces have remained tight-lipped about the exact location and details of the operation, as operations in the region continue to unfold.
Sources indicated that elite counter-insurgency units, including the National Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG), were deployed to neutralize the militants, who had barricaded themselves in a house on the outskirts of Kulgam.
The Background of the Encounter
This encounter in Kulgam comes amid heightened security operations in the Kashmir Valley, where the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been intensifying anti-terror operations over the past several weeks. The region has seen a spate of attacks by militants, particularly targeting security forces and civilians. Kulgam, being a hotspot for militant activity, has witnessed several similar operations in recent months.
Officials believe that the two militants currently engaged in the ongoing encounter may be part of a larger network responsible for recent attacks in the area, though concrete evidence is yet to be established. The involvement of a foreign national in the gunfight highlights the cross-border terrorism that continues to be a challenge for the region’s security forces.
Military and Civilian Response
As the operation rages on, the security forces have urged locals to stay clear of the encounter zone for their safety. The Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory, urging residents to avoid the area, as the gunbattle is expected to continue throughout the day. Authorities have also taken steps to maintain law and order, especially in the wake of previous incidents where protests broke out in the aftermath of security operations.
The operation has also drawn attention from political leaders, who have expressed condolences for the fallen soldiers and praised the bravery of the security forces. “Our soldiers have shown immense courage in the face of danger. We stand with them in this critical time,” said a senior political leader from the region.
Ongoing Situation
The security forces are expected to intensify their efforts to neutralize the remaining militants, with the possibility of additional reinforcements being sent to Kulgam. The operation is still in progress, and authorities have not yet provided an estimate for how long the encounter will last.
Meanwhile, the families of the fallen soldiers are being informed, and officials have promised to give them full support during this challenging time. The Indian Army has also expressed its commitment to continue its fight against terrorism in the region, with the aim of restoring peace and security to Jammu and Kashmir.
