Kulgam, Aug 9 (JKNS): The ongoing encounter in Akhal village of Devsar, Kulgam, entered its ninth consecutive day on Saturday, claiming the lives of two Army jawans during intense exchanges of fire with terrorists overnight, while two more soldiers sustained injuries.
Officials told news agency JKNS that the heavy gunfight erupted again late Friday night, with automatic weapon fire and blasts rattling the area.
Firing, along with heavy blasts, continued throughout the night, and two soldiers succumbed to their injuries while two others were injured, officials said.
Security forces have since tightened the cordon around the encounter site, deploying advanced surveillance systems to monitor any movement in the dense terrain, they said.
The operation, which began last Friday, continues while authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity, as the search for the remaining terrorists is ongoing.
Additional reinforcements have been moved into the area to maintain the siege, and medical teams remain on standby to respond to any emergency. The prolonged operation is being closely monitored by senior security officials on the ground.
Chinar Corps of the Indian Army in a post on X as per JKNS wrote, OP AKHAL, Kulgam, Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us.
#IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues, it reads. (JKNS)