No fresh firing in Kulgam anti-terror operation

No fresh firing has taken place in the anti-terrorist operation in Kulgam’s Akhal forest, that entered 11th day on Monday.

A senior security official said that while a combing operation is still underway in the dense forest of Akhal, no fresh firing took place with the ultras.

Security sources believe the hiding terrorists may have escaped from the area, taking advantage of dense forests and tough terrain.

Two army soldiers have been killed, while nine others have been injured since the encounter began on August 1 in the Akhal forest area.

Two terrorists have also been killed in the encounter. The identity and the group affiliation of the slain terrorists have not been ascertained so far. This is the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir valley in recent years.

J&K Police chief Nalin Prabhat and the army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma are monitoring the operation.