Is the Anti-terrorist Operation in J&K’s Kulgam Entering Its 3rd Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing anti-terror operations in Kulgam are a response to increased terrorist activity.
- Advanced technology is playing a crucial role in locating hiding terrorists.
- The focus is on dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism, not just eliminating armed terrorists.
- Local communities are impacted by heightened security measures.
- Security forces are on high alert in the region, especially along the Line of Control.
Srinagar, Aug 3 (NationPress) Following the death of two terrorists and the critical injury of a third over the past two days, the security operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district has now extended into its third day as of Sunday.
Joint forces, including the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police, initiated a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Akhal forest area on Friday after receiving intelligence reports regarding terrorist activity in the region.
After securing the area, security personnel encountered gunfire, leading to an exchange where one terrorist was eliminated on Friday, followed by the second on Saturday.
Authorities indicated that the third terrorist sustained critical injuries. Senior police officials reported on Saturday that operations would persist, as the number of terrorists in hiding might exceed three.
Fire exchanges continued intermittently overnight, suggesting that either the injured terrorist or additional terrorists may be responsible.
Security forces are employing drones, thermal imaging, and other advanced technologies to assist ground troops in locating the hiding terrorists.
Reports indicate that the two deceased terrorists were local residents.
Security forces have intensified operations against terrorist activity in the hinterland, with the Army maintaining heightened alertness along the Line of Control (LoC) within the union territory.
These operations are part of a broader initiative to eliminate three notorious Pakistani terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths.
Three notorious terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Suleman Shah along with his associates Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai, were neutralized on July 28 in the higher altitudes of Dachigam National Park, located at the base of Mahadev mountain peak in the Harwan area of Srinagar.
This operation has been designated as 'Operation Mahadev' by the Army.
Following the Pahalgam attack, security forces are engaged in anti-terrorist efforts targeting armed terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.
Additionally, drug traffickers and smugglers are under surveillance, as it is believed that proceeds from hawala and drug smuggling are utilized to finance terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The coordinated and intelligence-driven operations aim to dismantle the entire terrorism ecosystem in the region, rather than solely focusing on the elimination of armed terrorists.