Srinagar, Aug. 10 -- Two army jawans were killed in an overnight firing between security forces and terrorists in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing Operation Akhal, which entered its ninth day on Saturday, officials aware of the matter said. The deceased, identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, were killed in an encounter that began on August 1 after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in a forested area of Akhal in Kulgam. While Pritpal hailed from Manupur village in Samrala, Harminder was resident of Bandipur village in Mandi Gobindgarh. So far, one terrorist has been killed during Operation Akhal, one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Valley. "Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of bravehearts, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us," the Army's Chinar Corps posted on X. "The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. The operation continues." Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann condoled the deaths of the soldiers from the state and announced an ex-gratia of Rs.1 crore each to the families of the deceased. "We salute the spirit and bravery of the soldiers who were martyred for the defence of the country. As per the government's promise, an honorarium of Rs.1 crore each will be provided to the families," Mann said on X. J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the deaths, saying, "Their valour, grit and determination will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief." Later in the day, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah visited the Chinar Corps headquarters at Badamibagh in Srinagar, and paid tribute to the deceased soldiers. "Chief Minister laid the wreath and paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers who made ultimate sacrifice at Kulgam," Abdullah's office said on X. As the anti-terror operation entered the ninth day on Saturday, officials said that fresh reinforcements have been despatched as security personnel are closing in on the terrorist hideout in the Akhal forest. "Due to dense forest cover, the soldiers are moving cautiously and conducting search and cordon operations," a senior police officer said on anonymity. "On Friday night, there was heavy exchange of fire in the forest." An officer said the constant exchange of firing is an indication that militants are still in the cordon area. Forces are using quadcopters, drones and other surveillance equipment to trace the terrorists in the forest, the officer added....