Anti-insurgency operation in south Kashmir's Kulgam enters 5th day

Srinagar, Aug 05: The anti-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district entered the fifth day on Tuesday as security forces tightened the noose around the ultras engaged in the gun battle with them.

As tight cordon has been laid in the Akhal area, the authorities on Tuesday evacuated some of the villagers who needed medical attention.

"The encounter has entered its fifth day as intermittent exchange of firing has been going," an official said.

He said the security forces were using all means, including drones and helicopters, to track down the terrorists.

Two terrorists have been killed while at least two security forces personnel were injured in the encounter which began on Friday after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides on Friday evening, the operation was halted for the night, the officials said.

The cordon was strengthened, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area.

Firing resumed on Saturday morning, during which two terrorists were killed, the officials said.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained, they added, noting that the operation is still underway.