Kulgam Locals Plead for Relocation Amid Week Long Anti Terror Operation

As the anti-terror operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district enters its seventh day on Thursday, August 7, 2025, residents of Akhal village are urgently appealing for relocation due to severe hardships. The counter-terror operations, launched on August 1 following intelligence about the presence of terrorists, have transformed daily life into a terrifying ordeal for locals.

Residents report not sleeping for seven days as the area is constantly rocked by relentless firing and massive explosions that cause "quakes". Women and children are particularly terrified by the ongoing encounter in their vicinity. The dire situation is compounded by critical shortages of water, medicines, and essential rations. While essential service workers have attempted to restore water supplies, their efforts are hampered by the difficult conditions. Local panchayat workers, including Sheikh Mehboob, have been praised for their efforts in providing aid to the village.       
                        
Security forces continue to hunt remaining terrorists in the dense forest belt, which poses an extreme challenge. So far, one terrorist has been confirmed killed, and four security personnel were injured in initial gunfire. This ongoing operation is now the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley and could become one of the longest in recent decades, with security forces confirming it may continue for more days.