Security forces on Saturday re-established contact with terrorists in the Dolgam area of Kishtwar district, prompting a renewed phase of an ongoing counter-terrorism operation, officials said. The encounter marks the fourth instance in the past two weeks in which forces have made contact with militants believed to be hiding in the region.
According to the Indian Army, the operation is being carried out under Operation Trashi-I and involves a coordinated effort by troops of the White Knight Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Army said actionable intelligence gathered from multiple sources was carefully analyzed and synchronized to plan and execute the operation on the ground.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the White Knight Corps confirmed that contact with the terrorists was re-established in the early hours of January 31. Following the engagement, security forces established a tight cordon around the area, and search and combing operations are currently underway to prevent any escape.
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Senior military leadership is closely monitoring the situation. Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma visited Kishtwar to review the counter-terrorism grid and assess operational preparedness. Officials said the ongoing operation is aimed at neutralizing a group of three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed to be operating in the district.
As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended within a six-kilometer radius of the affected area, including Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo. Authorities said the step was taken to prevent the misuse of communication networks by anti-national elements during the operation.
Kishtwar district has witnessed several counter-terror operations in recent months as security agencies continue efforts to dismantle militant networks in the region. Officials said operations would continue until the area is fully sanitized while ensuring the safety of civilians.
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