Jammu, Jan 30: Security forces on Friday stepped up their anti-terror operation in the snowbound Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir to track and neutralise three Jaish-e-Mohammad militants believed to be hiding in the area, officials said.
Mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended within a six-kilometre radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo to prevent their misuse during the ongoing operation. The suspension has been extended till 11:59 pm on January 30 under orders issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department.
The operation began on January 18 following a fierce encounter in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, during which a paratrooper was killed and seven soldiers were injured. The militants escaped after the initial gunbattle, taking advantage of dense vegetation and difficult terrain.
Subsequent encounters were reported at Mali Dana top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25, but the militants again managed to slip deeper into forested areas despite heavy snowfall exceeding two feet.
Officials said the mobile internet shutdown was ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, to maintain public order and operational security.
In a separate operation, security forces launched a search in Pajja Morh, Nabana Top, and adjoining areas of Surankote in Poonch district after receiving inputs about the presence of two suspected persons. No contact had been established till the last reports, and the operation was continuing.