Violent operation continues for second day in Kishtwar
Longest Kulgam military siege in years enters 11th day
#CrackdownIntensifiedInIIOJK/#KashmirUnderSiege
Jammu: A violent cordon and search operation continued for the second consecutive day in Kishtwar district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, today, amid the ongoing marathon military siege in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, which entered its 11th day.
According to Kashmir Media Service, fresh clashes erupted in Kishtwar’s Dool area after Indian troops and paramilitary forces launched searches in the hilly terrain following what officials claimed was “specific input” about the presence of militants. As the forces advanced, an exchange of fire took place. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the encounter, saying the operation was in progress.
The renewed gunfight followed large-scale raids by Indian police on 26 houses in Kishtwar, including that of senior freedom activist Mohammad Amin Butt alias Jehangir Saroori. Officials claimed the raids mainly targeted the homes of militants. Similar searches were also carried out in neighbouring Doda district. Police claimed the operations were aimed at disrupting local support networks, seizing material evidence, and sending a “deterrent message” to those allegedly aiding militants.
Meanwhile, the fierce encounter in Kulgam’s Akhal area entered its 11th day today, making it one of the longest military operations in the territory in recent years. Two Indian soldiers — Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh — have been killed and several others injured in the past two days. Indian authorities have so far confirmed the killing of one youth since the siege began on July 31.
Senior police and Army officials, including the Indian Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are supervising the Kulgam operation, with para commandos, drones and helicopters pressed into service.
