Anti-terror operation intensified in Kishtwar; mobile internet services suspended

The authorities also suspended mobile internet services till Friday evening in parts of Kishtwar where the operation is underway to prevent the ultras from contacting other groups of terrorists or their handlers in Pakistan. The ultras generally use mobile applications to establish contact with their handlers.

Mobile internet services were temporarily suspended within a six-kilometre radius covering Singhpura, Chingam and Chhatru to avoid misuse by anti-national elements during the ongoing operation.

The first encounter took place on January 18, when Special Forces of the Army, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, launched a search operation in the Son Nar area, northeast of the Chhatru forest, following specific intelligence inputs. During the encounter, the hiding militants hurled grenades at the troops, injuring eight soldiers. One of the injured soldiers later succumbed to his wounds.

Search operations continued, and on January 19, security forces busted a well-stocked kitchen in the forest, indicating logistical support being provided to the terrorists by local Over Ground Workers (OGWs).

Officials said the group belongs to the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit and is believed to be well-trained. It is suspected that the terrorists infiltrated into India several months ago. Officials further said the group is now likely running short of food and may be attempting to establish contact with other terrorists active in the region.

While on the hunt, security forces again exchanged fire with the militants on January 22 near Singhpura in the Chhatru area. However, the terrorists managed to escape into the deeper forest.

Officials said multiple groups of two to three terrorists are active in different forest areas of the Jammu region. These militants are trained in jungle warfare and can survive in dense forests for several days without food. Additional reinforcements, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed to tighten the cordon and prevent their escape. Senior Army and police officials are closely monitoring the operation, code-named “Trashi-1.”

A third gunfight with the group took place on the intervening night of January 25–26 in the Janseer–Kandiwar forest area of Chhatru. Officials said sustained pressure is being maintained on the terrorists, who are frequently changing locations within the dense forest. Several individuals were also detained for questioning after the terrorist hideout-cum-kitchen was unearthed on January 19, as officials said it would not have been possible for the Pakistan-based militants to procure rations and other supplies on their own. They added that the group is unlikely to survive for long without food.