J&K’s Kishtwar: Army Commander Inspects Anti Terror Grid During Active Encounter
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma commends troops as search continues for Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in snowbound region
Jammu, Jan 31: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday to review the counter-terrorism grid and operational preparedness amid an ongoing anti-terror operation targeting a group of three holed up Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists.
The visit followed a high-level security review in Jammu on Thursday, focusing on strengthening the counter terrorism network across the region. Interacting with ground commanders and troops, Lt Gen Sharma commended their dedication and resolve in challenging operational conditions.
The ongoing operation in the snowbound Chatroo belt, launched on January 18, has seen multiple fierce encounters in dense forests and rugged terrain. Earlier clashes at Sonnar near Mandral-Singhpora resulted in the death of a paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers, while subsequent encounters at Mali Dana Top (Jan 22) and Janseer-Kandiwar (Jan 25) saw the terrorists evade capture.
Mobile internet services remain suspended within a 6 km radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo to prevent misuse by anti-national elements. Despite over two feet of snowfall and difficult conditions, security forces continue to pursue the terrorists relentlessly.
Kishtwar has experienced six encounters in the past seven months as Indian forces maintain pressure on Pakistan based terror groups operating in the region, which shares borders with Doda and Udhampur districts.
