Kulgam encounter: 2 soldiers killed, operation enters ninth day in Kashmir

Two soldiers were killed and two others injured in the ongoing encounter in Kulgam district of southern Kashmir. The encounter, which entered its ninth day on Saturday, is one of the longest operations in Kashmir in recent times.

The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said in a social media post that the operation continued. Earlier, the forces said that one militant had been killed in the encounter and the body of another militant was lying in the forest area of Akhal in Kulgam but had not been retrieved yet. "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. Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. The operation continues," the army said.

Two other army personnel were injured during the firing in the wee hours of Saturday, officials said, taking the tally of the injured soldiers to nine. The operation started on August 1 evening in the Akhal area of Kulgam following specific inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area.The forces have sealed all entry and exit points in Akhal village as well as nearby forested mountain area.