Reported By: Davinder Goyal
Edited By: Kulwinder singh
Published: August 02, 2025 | Updated: August 02, 2025, 15:40 IST

Kulgam:
Security forces have neutralised three terrorists during a fierce encounter in the Akhal forest area of Devsar, Kulgam, officials confirmed on Saturday. The joint anti-terror operation, launched on Friday evening by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, was initiated following specific intelligence about militant movement in the dense forest zone.

One of the slain terrorists has been identified as Haris Nazir, a resident of Pulwama and an operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), classified as a Category-C militant. The operation—codenamed Operation Akhal—is still underway as forces continue search and retrieval efforts in the rugged terrain.

Intense Night-Long Firefight

Officials said intermittent but heavy firing continued throughout the night. A 20-minute gunbattle took place around 4 am on Saturday, after which the situation briefly stabilised. Due to limited visibility, deeper searches and retrieval operations were paused, but the area remains under a tight security cordon.

Security agencies believe 2–3 foreign terrorists (FTs) are still trapped within the cordoned region. Troops maintained contact through calibrated fire during the night to restrict militant movement.

Gunfight Triggered During Search Operation

The encounter began when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Akhal forest based on intelligence inputs. Militants opened fire, prompting immediate retaliation. Initially, one terrorist was killed, and forces believe more remain trapped as the operation enters its second day.

Linked to Operation Mahadev

The Kulgam encounter is part of the broader Operation Mahadev, a sustained counterterrorism drive underway across Kashmir.
Earlier this week, three terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack were killed under this operation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Parliament, stated that the slain terrorists were senior LeT operatives. One of them, Suleiman, was identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack.

Spike in Anti-Terror Operations

Security forces have intensified operations across Jammu & Kashmir:

• Days before the Kulgam encounter, troops foiled an infiltration attempt along the LoC in Poonch, killing two terrorists near the Kalsian–Gulpur area.

• In a separate incident, Agniveer Lalit Kumar lost his life on July 25 after a landmine explosion during patrol in the Krishna Ghati sector.

While overall violence in July remains lower than the spring peak, it has risen compared to June, which recorded only two militant deaths with no civilian or security casualties.

Government’s Firm Approach

The recent spate of encounters underscores the government’s resolve to dismantle terror networks and strengthen security across Jammu and Kashmir. Forces continue to comb the Akhal forest area to eliminate the remaining militants.

Authorities have assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to safeguard civilians and maintain regional stability as Operation Akhal continues.