Srinagar: Two Indian Army personnel have lost their lives during an ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Army confirmed on Saturday. The encounter, part of Operation Akhal, has now been underway for nine consecutive days.
According to officials, four soldiers were injured during the overnight gunfight, and despite immediate medical attention, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh succumbed to their wounds.
In a tribute shared on X, the Chinar Corps wrote, “We honour the supreme sacrifice of Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh in the line of duty. Their courage and unwavering commitment to the nation will continue to inspire generations.”
Security forces said the militants engaged in the firefight are heavily armed and equipped with advanced weaponry. The operation began on August 1 after intelligence inputs pointed to the presence of foreign-trained terrorists in the dense forested region of Akhal in south Kashmir.
Authorities have deployed drones, helicopters, and ground teams to track the suspects in the rugged terrain. Firing exchanges continued on Saturday morning, with security agencies maintaining a tight cordon in the area.
The encounter marks one of the longest-running anti-terror operations in the region this year, underscoring the persistent threat posed by well-armed militant groups in the Valley.
