Third Night Battle in a Week: Army Corners Pakistani Terrorists in Kishtwar Snow
Fresh gunfight erupts between security forces and JeM terrorists in snow-covered Kishtwar forests.
A fresh encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir late Sunday night, escalating tensions in the region. Officials confirmed that the gunfight began around 10:20 pm during an ongoing joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The encounter took place in the dense Janseer-Kandiwar forest area of the Chatroo belt, a region that has witnessed repeated militant activity over the past week. This marks the third such confrontation in the area as security forces continue their pursuit of three Pakistani terrorists believed to be affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit.
According to officials, the exchange of fire began when the joint search party detected suspicious movement during a cordon-and-search operation. Terrorists opened fire, prompting security personnel to retaliate. Intermittent gunfire continued as forces tightened the cordon to prevent the militants from escaping under the cover of darkness.
The ongoing operation follows an earlier encounter on January 18 in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora, where a paratrooper was killed and seven other soldiers were injured. Although the terrorists managed to flee at the time, using thick vegetation and rugged terrain to their advantage, security forces have maintained relentless pressure.
Despite the region being blanketed by over two feet of snowfall, forces intercepted the militants again on January 22, just a few kilometres from the initial encounter site. While the terrorists once again evaded capture, officials said search operations were intensified, demonstrating the security forces’ resolve despite extreme weather conditions.
Authorities have reiterated that operations will continue until the terrorists are neutralised. The repeated encounters highlight both the persistent security challenges in the hilly Kishtwar region and the determination of Indian forces to prevent militant infiltration and safeguard civilian lives.
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