The ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has reached a critical point as it entered its seventh consecutive day on Thursday, August 7, 2025, making it the longest armed standoff in the Union Territory so far this year, officials confirmed.

The encounter began late last week in the thickly forested areas of Kulgam, and has since seen intermittent exchanges of gunfire, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon around the hideouts believed to be sheltering multiple heavily armed militants.

Operation Intensifies in Dense Terrain

The terrain of south Kulgam, where the operation is focused, is marked by dense forests and steep ridges, making the ongoing manhunt particularly challenging and dangerous. According to officials involved in the ground operation, the ultras have dug in deep and are using the natural landscape to their advantage.

Forces are reportedly moving cautiously, relying on drone surveillance, thermal imaging, and local intelligence to track militant movement and reduce casualties. Snipers and special operations units have been stationed at key tactical points to intercept any attempt by the terrorists to break the cordon.

A senior officer involved in the operation said, "The militants are trained and familiar with the terrain. Our aim is to neutralize the threat without unnecessary loss of life or collateral damage."

Gunfight Ongoing, No Casualties Reported Yet

While the gunfight has continued sporadically over seven days, there have been no official reports of casualties on either side as of Thursday morning. However, tactical silence is being maintained by the Army, and further details may be revealed once the operation concludes.

The cordon and search operation (CASO) began after intelligence inputs suggested the presence of at least two to three heavily armed militants in the area. The operation escalated quickly due to the militants firing on the search parties, which led to sustained engagement over multiple days.

Top Army Commander Visits Kulgam

In a show of seriousness and oversight, the Army’s Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma visited the region on Thursday to review the counter-terrorism grid and assess the progress of the ongoing encounter.

He was briefed by senior officers of the Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, who are jointly coordinating the operation. Lt. Gen. Sharma stressed the importance of minimum civilian disruption, even as the mission remains focused on eliminating terrorist elements operating in the region.

Sources said his visit also aimed to boost troop morale and ensure inter-agency synergy, critical for such prolonged encounters in hostile zones.

Residents Urged to Stay Indoors

The district administration has issued a public advisory asking local residents to remain indoors and avoid approaching the operation zone. All civilian movement in nearby forested villages has been strictly restricted, and school operations have been suspended in affected zones for safety.

Security officials believe that the operation may continue for a few more days, depending on the success of surveillance efforts and weather conditions in the upper forest belt.

Changing Trends in Militancy

This prolonged encounter marks a notable shift in terrorist strategy in Jammu & Kashmir, where quick firefights lasting a few hours to a day had become the norm over the past year. The current engagement in Kulgam suggests that some militant groups may be attempting to re-establish deeper forest hideouts, once commonly used during the 1990s insurgency.

Experts say the Kulgam operation may signal the return of protracted guerilla-style warfare by terror outfits that are adapting to modern surveillance and counter-insurgency techniques.

Strategic Importance of Kulgam

Kulgam lies in south Kashmir, an area often considered the epicentre of terror activity in the region. The location is strategically significant, as it allows access to transit routes between multiple districts and proximity to cross-border infiltration corridors.

The security establishment has long viewed Kulgam’s rugged topography as a potential safe zone for militant regrouping. Operations like this aim to dismantle these pockets before they become fully operational bases.

Government Response and Political Silence

While the government has remained largely silent, apart from official security updates, no major political reactions have come from mainstream J&K parties or national leaders as of yet. However, analysts believe that the prolonged nature of the operation might soon draw public and parliamentary attention, especially as the Monsoon Session continues in New Delhi.

Outlook: Days Ahead Critical

As the Kulgam anti-terror operation continues into Day 7, the focus remains on avoiding further escalation while effectively eliminating the remaining militant threat. Security forces are rotating personnel to avoid fatigue, and aerial reconnaissance continues to guide troop movement in the treacherous landscape.

With heavy rainfall forecasted for the coming days, logistics and troop mobility could be impacted, potentially prolonging the encounter further.

For now, the success of the operation will be measured not just in neutralised militants, but in how efficiently and safely it is executed — a true test of modern counter-terrorism operations in one of the world’s most sensitive zones.

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