Ongoing Encounter Between Terrorists and Security Forces in J&K's Kishtwar: Sixth Confrontation in Seven Months

Kishtwar has experienced six encounters in the past seven months.

Srinagar:

An intense gunbattle is currently taking place between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

According to military sources, the encounter began following a joint intelligence-based operation launched by the army and police in the Chatroo area this morning.

Reports indicate that a fierce exchange of fire occurred at Kalaban forests this morning during a large-scale anti-terrorist operation.

The mountainous terrain has been the site of multiple encounters recently, as several Pakistani terrorists with expertise in jungle warfare are believed to have established positions in the region.

In recent statements, police revealed that 120 anti-terrorist operations are being conducted daily in the Jammu region to eliminate foreign terrorists.

Once peaceful, Jammu province now faces heightened terror threats, particularly from foreign operatives. Police officials have stated that these extensive operations have become routine, encompassing "speculative operations, pinpointed and information-based operations".

Law enforcement acknowledges that foreign terrorists, highly trained in jungle warfare, pose a significant security challenge in Jammu, necessitating these large-scale operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorist threat.

Over the past four years, Jammu has witnessed an increase in terrorist incidents, with numerous Pakistani terrorists reportedly establishing bases in various forest areas.

To counter the growing threat, substantial military reinforcements have been deployed throughout the region.

Kishtwar district has been the location of six encounters in the last seven months as security forces continue searching for Pakistan-based terrorists hiding in the hilly terrain.

On September 21, security forces engaged a group of terrorists in a gunfight in the Chhatru area.

On September 13, two army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, lost their lives and two others were injured during an encounter with terrorists in the Naidgram area of Chhatru.

Violent confrontations occurred in Dul and Chhatru areas on August 11 and July 2, though the terrorists managed to escape.

On May 22, one soldier and two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Singapore area of the Chhatru belt.

On April 12, security forces eliminated three terrorists during an encounter in the Kishtwar area, while the army successfully prevented an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in the Akhnoor sector.