Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, according to officials. The gunfight, which erupted in the forested Akhal area of south Kashmir, continued into its second day amid heavy security deployment.
The operation began late Friday afternoon when joint security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the dense forest following “credible intelligence inputs” about the presence of militants, a police official said. Initial contact was established with the suspected militants on Friday evening, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire. The operation was subsequently paused overnight as darkness and difficult terrain posed operational challenges, officials said. Reinforcements were deployed and the cordon tightened to prevent the militants from escaping.
Firing resumed at first light on Saturday, culminating in the killing of two militants during the fresh exchange. The identities and group affiliations of the slain individuals are yet to be confirmed, a senior police officer said, adding that efforts are underway to establish their background and possible links to any terror outfit.
There were no reports of casualties among the security forces. However, officials indicated that combing operations were still ongoing in the area to ensure the site is fully sanitised and to rule out the possibility of additional militants being present. Akhal, located in the southern fringes of Kulgam, has seen intermittent militant activity in recent years. Forested terrain and proximity to arterial routes often make such regions vulnerable to insurgent movements, security analysts say. The latest encounter comes amid a series of counter-terrorism operations launched across Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks. Security officials have heightened vigilance ahead of the upcoming festivals and amid increased infiltration attempts along the Line of Control.
Authorities have urged residents in the vicinity to remain indoors and cooperate with the ongoing security measures. Mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in parts of the district as a precautionary step to prevent the spread of rumours or misinformation.
