Two Indian Army personnel, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, were killed in an overnight gunfight with terrorists in Kulgam district as Operation Akhal entered its ninth day.
The operation, launched on August 1 following intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the Akhal forest region, has become one of the longest-running anti-terror missions in recent years.
Four other soldiers were injured in the latest exchange, bringing the total number of injured personnel to ten. The Indian Army, in a solemn tribute, acknowledged the supreme sacrifice of the fallen soldiers, stating their courage “will forever inspire us.”
Security forces have intensified efforts to flush out remaining militants—believed to be Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives—who are using cave-like hideouts in the thickly forested terrain. The operation has seen the deployment of drones, helicopters, and Para commandos to navigate the challenging landscape and neutralise threats.
Since its inception, Operation Akhal has resulted in the elimination of over five terrorists. The mission follows a series of coordinated anti-terror actions, including Operation Mahadev and Operation Shiv Shakti, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Local residents have begun evacuating Akhal village amid continuous gunfire and explosions. Authorities have appointed nodal officers to assist with emergency coordination and civilian safety.
