Intense Gunfight Underway in J&K’s Kishtwar as Security Forces Engage Terrorists

An intense and active encounter is currently underway between security forces and a group of terrorists in the remote, forested reaches of the Chhatru area in Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous Kishtwar district. The operation, codenamed “Op Chhatru,” was launched in the early hours of Wednesday following specific, actionable intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the rugged terrain.

The Operation Commences

The coordinated search and cordon operation began when joint teams, primarily comprising the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, moved into the general area of Chhatru. This region, known for its dense forests and difficult accessibility, is located in the higher reaches of Kishtwar and has historically seen sporadic militant activity.

Officials confirmed that the security forces made initial contact with the hidden terrorists shortly after launching the operation. This quickly escalated into a heavy exchange of fire, with the alert troops effectively retaliating against the hostile fire initiated by the militants.

The White Knight Corps confirmed the development on the social media platform X, stating, “Contact with Terrorists | Op Chhatru, in an intelligence based operation, in concert with @jk_police, in early morning hours today, alert troops of #WhiteKnightCorps have established contact with terrorists in the general area of Chhatru. Fire exchanged with terrorists. Operation is in progress.”

Militants Believed to be Trapped

Sources within the security establishment suggest that two to three terrorists are believed to be cornered within the dense operational zone. These individuals are reportedly part of a group that has been under close surveillance by security forces for their attempts to revive militancy in the region.

Reports indicate that the security forces have effectively contained the area, establishing a tight cordon to prevent the terrorists from escaping into the deeper forest cover. In a bid to maintain the advantage and locate the militants’ exact positions, officials have deployed modern technology, including drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), for aerial surveillance over the dense forest of Kalban, Chhatru.

Increased Focus on Kishtwar

The ongoing encounter underscores the intensified focus of the security grid on Kishtwar, which has witnessed a resurgence of terror-related incidents in recent months. The district, geographically bordering other sensitive regions like Doda, is a critical area in the overall counter-insurgency strategy.

Over the past few months, security forces have been relentlessly pursuing militants hiding in these hilly districts. This marks one of several confrontations in the Kishtwar area this year, highlighting the sustained effort by the forces to wipe out remnants of militancy often fueled by elements from across the border.

The operation remains active and is being executed with extreme caution to minimize any collateral damage. Further details regarding any casualties, or the final outcome of the operation, are awaited as the security forces continue their determined push to neutralize the trapped militants.