A large security operation to hunt terrorists continued for the third day on Tuesday in the upper areas of Kishtwar district, officials said. Several local people have been detained for questioning as forces try to trace the terrorists who escaped into deep forests.
The operation began on Sunday in Sonnar village, near Mandral-Singhpora, in the Chatroo area. During the search, a fierce gunfight broke out. One Indian Army paratrooper lost his life, while seven others were injured. Most of the injuries were caused by splinters after terrorists suddenly threw a grenade while hiding. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Although the terrorists managed to flee, security forces destroyed their hideout hidden high in the mountains. The shelter was well prepared for winter and stocked with food items, pulses, blankets, utensils, and other supplies. Officials said the stock was enough to support at least four people during the harsh winter months.
Senior officers, including the Inspector General of Police for Jammu Zone and the Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu, reached the encounter site. They are camping in the area along with army officers to closely monitor the operation.
Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu on Tuesday morning to honour Havildar Gajendra Singh, the Special Forces commando who was killed in the encounter. The ceremony took place at Satwari and was led by senior army officials from the White Knight Corps. Later, his mortal remains were sent to his home state of Uttarakhand for final rites.
Top police and civil administration officers, along with officials from the Border Security Force, CRPF, and police, also attended the ceremony to pay their respects.
On Monday afternoon, officials said several people were questioned in connection with the hideout, which was located at a height of over 12,000 feet. Investigators are trying to identify overground workers who helped the terrorists arrange and transport such large quantities of supplies to the remote location.
In a post on X, the army said Operation Trashi-I is still active in the Chatroo area. The cordon has been tightened further, and search operations have been expanded. Army troops, police, and CRPF teams remain deployed to control and dominate the region.
Multiple teams are searching the area with the help of drones and sniffer dogs. However, thick forests, steep slopes, and poor visibility are making the task very difficult.
Officials believe two to three terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad may still be hiding in the area.
Security has also been stepped up across the Jammu region ahead of Republic Day. Authorities said there are intelligence inputs about renewed attempts by handlers across the border to push more terrorists into the region, and forces are on high alert to ensure peaceful celebrations.
You Might Also Like:
At 13, This Kashmiri Boy Built 31 Apps and AI Tools
Delhi Court Convicts Kashmiri Separatist Asiya Andrabi in UAPA Case
Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development