Operation Akhal – The serene valleys of Jammu and Kashmir were once again jolted by the thunder of gunfire as security forces launched a decisive counter-terror operation in the Akhal forest region of Kulgam. In what has been described as one of the most intense encounters of the year, five heavily armed terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were neutralized in a joint operation involving the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police.
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The Spark: Intelligence and Mobilization
The operation was set in motion following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the dense Akhal forests of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The area, known for its rugged terrain and thick vegetation, has long been a favored hideout for insurgents due to its natural cover and proximity to infiltration routes.
Security forces swiftly launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on Friday evening. As troops advanced into the forest, they came under heavy fire from militants concealed in the underbrush, triggering a fierce gunfight that lasted through the night.
The Encounter: A Night of Fire and Fury
The firefight was described by the Army’s Chinar Corps as “intermittent and intense,” with calibrated responses from alert troops who tightened the noose around the terrorists while maintaining contact. Explosions and gunshots echoed through the valley as the operation escalated.
By Saturday morning, three terrorists had been neutralized. The remaining two were eliminated later that day, bringing the total to five. One of the slain militants was identified as Nazir Dar, a local resident of Pulwama. An AK rifle, grenades, and other ammunition were recovered near his body.
Who Were the Militants?
The terrorists were reportedly affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. TRF has been increasingly active in the region and had earlier claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead.
The presence of TRF operatives in Kulgam underscores the evolving tactics of terror outfits, which now rely on local recruits and decentralized cells to carry out attacks and evade detection.
Operation Akhal: Strategy and Execution
Operation Akhal was not just a tactical manoeuvre, it was a showcase of coordination, precision, and technological superiority. The mission involved:
- Multi-agency coordination between Army, CRPF, J&K Police, and Special Operations Group (SOG)
- Advanced surveillance tools including drones and thermal imaging
- Real-time intelligence sharing
- Top brass oversight, including monitoring by the Director General of Police and the 15 Corps Commander
The operation was executed with surgical precision, minimizing collateral damage and ensuring the safety of civilians in nearby areas.
Strategic Importance of Kulgam
Kulgam’s location makes it a strategic hotspot in the counter-terror grid. Nestled in South Kashmir, it borders districts like Anantnag and Pulwama, regions that have historically seen high militant activity. Its forests and mountainous terrain offer natural cover, making it a preferred route for infiltration and hideouts.
Neutralizing militants in this region sends a strong message and disrupts potential staging grounds for future attacks.
Psychological Impact and Civilian Sentiment
While the operation was a tactical success, it also carries psychological weight. The elimination of five heavily armed terrorists boosts morale among security forces and reassures civilians of the state’s commitment to maintaining peace.
However, it also raises concerns about radicalization and the recruitment of local youth into terror outfits. Community engagement, education, and economic development remain critical to countering these long-term threats.
The Bigger Picture: Counter-Terror Trends in J&K
Operation Akhal is part of a broader trend of aggressive counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. In recent months, security forces have:
- Neutralized key operatives involved in high-profile attacks
- Busted terror hideouts in Baramulla and Sopore
- Increased surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC)
- Enhanced coordination between intelligence and ground forces
These efforts reflect a shift from reactive to proactive counter-terror strategies.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the success of Operation Akhal, challenges remain:
- Cross-border infiltration continues to be a threat
- Radicalization via social media is on the rise
- Proxy outfits like TRF complicate attribution and response
- Civilian casualties and displacement during operations can fuel resentment
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach that combines military strength with socio-political engagement. Conclusion: A Step Toward Peace
Operation Akhal stands as a testament to the resilience and professionalism of India’s security forces. The elimination of five heavily armed terrorists in a single operation is a significant blow to terror networks operating in the Valley.
But lasting peace will require more than just bullets and boots. It demands dialogue, development, and a shared vision for a future where the valleys of Kashmir echo not with gunfire, but with laughter and hope.
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