August 2, 2025 | Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir – In yet another major development in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, a terrorist was killed on Saturday during an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Akhal area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. This marks the third major encounter in the region within a week, with a total of six terrorists gunned down during these fierce operations — including those responsible for the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The latest encounter began on Friday evening (August 1) when security forces, acting on credible intelligence, cordoned off the dense jungle area of Akhal. A joint team of the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) launched the search operation, which quickly escalated into a heavy exchange of fire with hiding terrorists.
The firefight, described as “intermittent and intense,” continued through the night.
“Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues,” the Army’s Chinar Corps stated in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Security officials believe more terrorists could still be holed up in the area, and the operation remains underway as forces maintain a strict cordon and search strategy. The rugged terrain and thick forest cover of Kulgam make it a challenging battlefield, but the coordination among the three forces has been commendable, according to senior officers on the ground.
Week of Success: Six Terrorists Neutralized
This latest operation in Kulgam follows two other high-profile encounters earlier this week in different parts of the Kashmir Valley. According to officials, six terrorists have been eliminated in total over the past seven days. Among them were the three militants involved in the Pahalgam terror attack that sent shockwaves across the Valley just days ago.
That attack, carried out by Pakistan-backed infiltrators, had targeted security forces in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam. The swift retaliation and counter-terror operations launched soon after have showcased the resolve of Indian security forces to eliminate the threat with precision and minimal collateral damage.
Security Forces Maintain High Vigil
Officials confirmed that forces have increased patrolling and surveillance across South Kashmir, particularly in terror-prone zones such as Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam. UAVs, sniffer dogs, and night vision equipment have been deployed to track any suspicious movements.
“The success of these operations is a result of real-time intelligence inputs and seamless coordination among various wings of security forces. There will be no let-up in the anti-terror drive,” said a senior police officer deployed in Kulgam.
Meanwhile, locals have been advised to stay indoors and avoid the encounter zones until the operations are fully called off.
A Strong Message to Terror Networks
With the elimination of six militants in just one week, including those involved in direct attacks against the nation, the message is loud and clear: India’s security apparatus is more vigilant than ever, and there will be zero tolerance toward any threats to peace in the region.
As operations continue in Kulgam, security forces remain committed to restoring lasting peace and thwarting attempts by terror groups to destabilize the Valley.
