An Army paratrooper was killed during an ongoing counter-terror operation in the difficult forest terrain of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.
The Army confirmed that Havildar Gajendra Singh, a Special Forces soldier, succumbed to injuries sustained during the gunfight with terrorists in the Son Nar forest area of Chhatru. The operation, named Operation Trashi-I, entered its second day on Monday.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The encounter began on Sunday afternoon and left eight soldiers injured, mostly due to splinter injuries from grenade attacks. While no fresh exchange of fire was reported on Monday, security forces resumed intensive search operations to track down the hiding terrorists.
The Army’s White Knight Corps said the operation is continuing in the general area of Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru. Troops from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force remain deployed, and the cordon around the area has been further tightened.
In a tribute posted on X, the White Knight Corps said Havildar Gajendra Singh made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a counter-terror operation on the night of January 19, 2026. The Army praised his courage, valour, and selfless devotion to duty, and expressed solidarity with his bereaved family.
The gunfight erupted during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) after terrorists opened heavy fire and lobbed grenades at the security forces. The terrorists, believed to be two to three in number, are suspected to be affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Due to the steep terrain, dense forests, and harsh weather conditions, firing was paused late Sunday night. However, the security cordon was strengthened, and fresh searches began at first light on Monday using drones, sniffer dogs, and advanced surveillance equipment.
During the search, security forces also busted a terrorist hideout at an altitude of around 12,000 feet in the Singhpora area of the Chhatru forests. Officials said the hideout had multiple entry and exit points and was stocked with food supplies, LPG, desi ghee, cereals, blankets, and other essentials, indicating long-term use.
Meanwhile, a separate search operation was launched in the Ghagwal area of Samba district following reports of suspicious movement.
The entire Jammu region remains on high alert, with multiple search operations underway as part of heightened security measures ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
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