Encounter underway in Kulgam forests

Srinagar, Aug 1: An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in the Akhal Devsar area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday and more reinforcement has been rushed to the area to align cordon in backdrop of darkness.

Officials said that acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the forested area of Akhal, a joint anti-terror operation was launched early in the evening by the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

According to senior officials, while the cordon was being established, the terrorists opened fire on joint parties which was retaliated , triggering an encounter. “At least two terrorists are trapped in a cordon that has been tightened in wake of darkness,” a senior police officer from south Kashmir said. “The area, known for its rugged terrain and dense forest cover, has been cordoned off, and additional reinforcements have been rushed to tighten the security perimeter.”

“#Encounter has started at Akhal area of district #Kulgam. SOG, J&K Police, Army and CRPF on job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice” Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X.

Inspector General of Police, VK Birdi said that a gunfight is underway. “Things will be clear in the morning,” he told Greater Kashmir, adding that the area is forested and darkness due night.

Officials said that drone surveillance,night vision and thermal imaging equipment are being used to track the terrorists’ movement in the dense foliage. Security forces have sealed all possible exit routes, and intermittent firing was reported till late evening.

The encounter took place hours after Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat visited Kulgam on Friday and review the security situation on the ground.