Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 13: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi, today said that hunt for terrorists in Akhal forests of Kulgam is going on and disclosed that the operation is ongoing for the past 13 days but has entered its final stage.
It is one of the Valley’s longest anti-terror operations in recent years. “The Akhal operation has entered the final stages, and more details will be shared when available,” Birdi told reporters on the sidelines of the full dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium.
The operation, which began on August 1, has so far claimed the lives of two Army soldiers and left nine others injured.
Two terrorists were killed in the operation so far but the identities and group affiliations of the two terrorists killed by security forces remained undisclosed.
On security arrangements for Independence Day, the IGP said the rehearsal and drills concluded successfully.
“The main programme will be held in Srinagar, where the VVIP takes the salute. Srinagar Police, along with CAPFs, has made multi-tier arrangements. High-rise spotters have been deployed, and all necessary security measures are in place,” he said.
He urged the public to participate in large numbers in the Independence Day celebrations.
In the meantime, security has been enhanced ahead of the Independence Day across Kashmir. Security forces have erected additional barricades across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir.The security forces have been conducting surprise checks of the vehicles at the check points and also frisking the commuters.
The security checks on the National Highway have been further intensified to prevent movement of any suspicious vehicle.
The security in the border areas of Kashmir have also been tightened to prevent any infiltration bid along the Line of Control. An official said that the patrolling in the sensitive areas has been intensified.
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