Search Operations Resume to Hunt Terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar

kishtwar, Jan 19 : Security forces on Monday resumed search operations in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district to track down terrorists believed to be hiding in the area, officials said.

The operation was relaunched at first light after being halted overnight due to difficult terrain, dense vegetation and low visibility. Joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces, supported by drones and sniffer dogs, are combing the area while maintaining a tight security cordon.

Eight Soldiers Injured in Grenade Attack

The search operation began on Sunday in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora in the Chatroo belt, where security forces came under attack, triggering a brief gunfight. Eight soldiers were injured, mostly suffering splinter injuries after terrorists lobbed a grenade from their hiding positions, officials said.

Due to the challenging terrain and darkness, the operation was suspended late Sunday night and resumed on Monday morning. Officials said there has been no fresh contact with the terrorists so far.

JeM Linked Terrorists Believed Trapped

Officials believe a group of two to three terrorists, allegedly affiliated with the Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), is trapped in the area. The operation remains ongoing, with additional forces inducted to prevent any escape.

The Army’s White Knight Corps, headquartered in Jammu, said the encounter occurred during ‘Operation Trashi-I’, a joint counter-terror exercise being carried out with the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

“Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies,” the Army said in a post on X, praising troops for their professionalism while operating under hostile conditions.

Third Terror Encounter in Jammu Region This Year

The Kishtwar encounter marks the third clash between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region this year. Earlier encounters were reported in the Kahog and Najote forests of Kathua district on January 7 and January 13.

In December last year, a police officer was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Soan village of Udhampur district, where militants managed to escape under the cover of dense foliage and darkness.

Security Tightened Ahead of Republic Day

The latest operation follows a major counter terror drive launched in December across forest belts in the Jammu region to flush out nearly three dozen terrorists believed to be hiding in the area.

Security measures have been further intensified ahead of Republic Day, amid intelligence inputs warning of attempts by Pakistan based handlers to infiltrate more terrorists into the region, officials said.