title:Indian Para SF Havildar Killed in Kishtwar Encounter 2026
ISLAMABAD: An elite Indian Army soldier from the Para Special Forces waskilled and eight others injured in a fierce exchange of fire with Kashmirifighters in the remote mountainous terrain of Kishtwar district inIndian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on January 18, 2026. The incidentoccurred during Operation TRASHI-I, a counter-terrorism operation targetingsuspected militants in the dense forests near Sonnar village in the Chatroobelt. Havildar Gajendra Singh succumbed to critical injuries overnight,marking the first reported Indian troop fatality in the region for the year.
The encounter began when security forces launched a cordon-and-searchoperation in the Singpura area, close to Mandra-Singhpura, followingintelligence inputs about the presence of armed gunmen affiliated withgroups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad. Officials reported that militants openedindiscriminate fire and lobbed grenades from concealed positions, catchingthe advancing troops off guard in the challenging forested and hillylandscape. Most of the eight injured soldiers suffered splinter wounds fromgrenade explosions, highlighting the intensity of the initial ambush.
Havildar Gajendra Singh, a paratrooper from Uttarakhand serving in theelite Para Special Forces unit, was among those critically wounded in theopening exchange. Despite prompt evacuation efforts, including airliftingof some injured personnel to military hospitals, he succumbed duringtreatment late on January 18 or early January 19. The Indian Army’s WhiteKnight Corps issued a statement paying tribute to his gallantry, describinghis sacrifice while executing the ongoing counter-terrorism mission in theSingpura sector.
Kishtwar district, part of the Chenab Valley, has witnessed sporadicmilitant activity in recent years due to its rugged terrain and proximityto forested hideouts favored by armed groups. The area remains achallenging operational zone for Indian forces, where dense woods and highaltitudes complicate surveillance and movement. This latest clashunderscores the persistent security challenges in the region despite claimsof reduced militancy following administrative changes in 2019.
Operation TRASHI-I was initiated on January 18 in response to specificintelligence about terrorist presence in the upper reaches of Kishtwar.Reinforcements were rushed to the site, and search operations continuedinto the second day on January 19 as forces hunted for the militantsinvolved. Reports indicate that two to three terrorists may have beenengaged, though no confirmed eliminations were announced by officials atthe time of reporting.
The Para Special Forces, an elite airborne unit within the Indian Army’sParachute Regiment, specializes in high-risk counter-insurgency and specialoperations. Known for rigorous training and deployment in sensitive areas,the unit has been actively involved in operations across Jammu and Kashmirto neutralize threats from militant outfits. Havildar Singh’s deathrepresents a significant loss for the force, as special operationspersonnel undergo extensive preparation for such missions.
Security analysts note that ambushes using grenades and small arms fromconcealed positions remain a common tactic in the region’s forested belts,allowing fighters to inflict casualties before withdrawing into difficultterrain. The use of such hit-and-run methods prolongs engagements and teststhe endurance of security forces operating far from immediate support. Thisincident follows a pattern of intermittent clashes in Kishtwar and adjacentdistricts like Doda.
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Indian military authorities have intensified operations ahead of keynational events, with heightened alerts in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kishtwarencounter is seen as part of broader efforts to prevent infiltration anddisrupt militant networks in the mountainous interiors. Additional troopsand aerial assets, including drones, have been deployed to enhancesituational awareness in remote zones.
The loss of Havildar Gajendra Singh has drawn tributes from militarycircles, emphasizing his commitment and bravery. As search operationspersist, officials expect further developments in tracking the militantsresponsible. The incident highlights the ongoing volatility inIndian-administered Kashmir, where local and cross-border dynamics continueto fuel armed resistance.
Casualties among security forces in such operations often prompt reviews oftactics and equipment to counter evolving militant strategies inchallenging environments. The focus remains on locating and neutralizingthe remaining threats in the area while minimizing further losses.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-havildar-killed-kishtwar-encounter-terrorists-10482597/
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