ISLAMABAD: An encounter between Indian security forces and suspected armedgunmen erupted on Sunday in the remote forested areas of Kishtwar districtin Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, sparking concerns over the volatile securitysituation in the region. The operation, initiated on specific intelligenceregarding the presence of armed militants, quickly escalated into agunfight in the Singhpora-Chatroo belt, where dense terrain complicatesmilitary movements and prolongs engagements. Initial reports highlightedsoldiers sustaining injuries during the initial exchange, raising questionsabout the scale of the confrontation and its implications for regionalstability. As reinforcements were deployed, including airlifted personneland helicopter surveillance, the situation remains fluid with no officialconfirmation of militant casualties yet emerging.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps described the action as a jointcounter-terror operation, reportedly named Operation Trashi-I, conducted incoordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police. Security teams established acordon early in the day after inputs indicated terrorists, possibly linkedto Jaish-e-Mohammed, were hiding in the area. When forces approached, themilitants opened fire, prompting retaliatory action and leading to theongoing firefight. The challenging mountainous and forested environment hashistorically favored such groups, enabling prolonged resistance andoccasional ambushes against advancing patrols. Additional troops have beenrushed to strengthen the perimeter and prevent any escape attempts.
Reports from various sources indicate that one Indian Army soldier waswounded in the initial contact and subsequently hospitalized, with hiscondition described as stable. Other reports claimed multiple injuries andsuggested the situation had spiraled out of control, accompanied byallegations of information suppression. However, mainstream Indian mediaoutlets and official statements have not corroborated these claims ofwidespread casualties or loss of operational command. No fatalities amongsecurity personnel have been reported in this specific incident,distinguishing it from previous encounters in Kishtwar that resulted insoldier deaths.
Kishtwar district, part of the Chenab Valley in the Jammu region, haswitnessed a surge in militant activity in recent years despite broaderdeclines in violence across Jammu and Kashmir. The area, characterized bythick forests and rugged highlands, serves as a potential hideout forgroups attempting infiltration or regrouping. Intelligence assessmentssuggest that up to three to four terrorists may be trapped, withreinforcements and aerial monitoring aimed at ensuring a decisive outcome.Such operations reflect ongoing efforts by Indian forces to counterpersistent threats in the Jammu division, including districts likeKishtwar, Doda, and Reasi, where Pakistani-backed elements are believed tooperate.
The timing of this encounter coincides with increased border vigilancefollowing recent drone sightings along the Line of Control andinternational border in nearby sectors. Security analysts note thatmilitants often exploit difficult terrain for hit-and-run tactics,prolonging engagements and testing force resilience. While the operationcontinues, authorities emphasize that the cordon remains intact, withsearch efforts intensified to neutralize the threat. Past incidents insimilar locations have sometimes extended over days, underscoring thecomplexity of anti-terror efforts in high-altitude forested zones.
Official channels have maintained a steady flow of updates, contradictingnarratives of censorship. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Policecontinue to describe the action as a controlled counter-insurgency measure,with no indication of the situation being beyond management. As the dayprogresses, further details on militant identities, potential eliminations,or additional injuries are anticipated from authoritative sources. Theincident underscores the enduring challenges in maintaining peace in Jammuand Kashmir amid persistent militant presence.
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Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-encounter-breaks-out-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-in-kishtwar-operations-under-way/articleshow/126640713.cms
Counter-Terror Operation
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