A prolonged gunfight in Indian-controlled Kashmir has resulted in the deaths of two Indian soldiers and a suspected militant, officials reported on Saturday. The intense battle began on August 1 in the Akhal forested area of Kulgam district, following intelligence reports about a group of insurgents in the region.
Indian troops had cordoned off the area and launched multiple search operations, which led to repeated firefights with militants. In the early stages, one militant was killed, and seven soldiers were injured. The clashes continued intermittently for over a week, with the Indian army deploying helicopters and drones to tackle the militants, whose exact number remains unclear. On Friday, two soldiers were killed, and two others sustained injuries during the fighting.
The Indian army confirmed on social media that the operation was still ongoing as of Saturday. However, no further details were provided, and the Associated Press was unable to independently verify the information.
The region, administered by India but claimed by Pakistan, has been a flashpoint for decades. Militants have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting their cause for either an independent Kashmir or integration with Pakistan. India maintains that the insurgency is backed by Pakistan, a claim that Pakistan denies, viewing it as a legitimate freedom struggle. The conflict has led to the deaths of tens of thousands, including civilians, rebels, and government forces.
This recent violence follows a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, sparked by a massacre in April that left more than two dozen people dead. That attack, which occurred in the Kashmiri town of Pahalgam, had led to military confrontations between the two nuclear-armed nations earlier this year. The situation eventually resulted in a ceasefire in May, mediated by the U.S.
The unrest in Kashmir has been further aggravated since India’s controversial decision to revoke the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019, which led to increased security measures and a crackdown on dissent.