Kulgam Gunfight Enters Day Four as Security Forces Battle Entrenched Terrorists

Tense Stand-Off in South Kashmir’s Akhal Region
Jammu and Kashmir: An intense anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its fourth day on Monday, as security forces continue to battle a well-entrenched group of terrorists in the dense forests of the Akhal area. The encounter, which began on Friday following a joint operation by the Army, CRPF, and local police, has seen intermittent firing and occasional explosions throughout the weekend.

According to police sources, the terrorists appear to be highly trained—at least two or three are believed to be foreign operatives with jungle warfare expertise. “We’ve recovered the body of one terrorist. Another has been spotted, but the retrieval is delayed due to ongoing gunfire and the difficult terrain,” said Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi.

Operation Highlights Growing Cross-Border Threat
The operation follows a series of encounters across the region. Earlier in the week, three Pakistani terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam massacre—where 26 civilians were killed—were neutralised by security forces. Two more infiltrators were killed near the Line of Control in Poonch on Thursday.

So far, three security personnel have been injured in the Kulgam operation, which remains active with forces using drones and helicopters for surveillance and support. Gunfire continues from two separate directions, indicating the presence of multiple hideouts.

Police believe the operation may have targeted up to five terrorists in total, making it one of the most significant engagements in recent months. The protracted gun battle highlights both the resilience of Indian forces and the ongoing challenge of cross-border terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.