Representational image.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: An ongoing counter-terrorist operation in the remote Singhpora/ Chatroo area of Kishtwar district entered its fifth day on Thursday, with security forces intensifying search efforts after re-establishing contact with terrorists hiding in dense forests and rugged terrain, officials said.
Security forces comprising the Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and Paramilitary units have been conducting a major cordon-and-search operation, code-named ‘Operation Trashi-I’, in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora since Sunday based on specific intelligence about terrorist presence.
On Sunday, as troops advanced within the thick forest cover, a heavy exchange of fire broke out after terrorists opened fire and lobbed grenades at the joint search party, officials said.
In the fierce encounter, Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Army’s Special Forces was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries, becoming the first security personnel casualty in this operation.
Seven other soldiers sustained injuries — most from splinter wounds — and have been moved to military medical facilities for treatment.
Security agencies believe two to three terrorists, likely affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), are holed up in the area. Efforts to flush them out have so far not yielded success, and the terrorists remain at large despite the reinforced cordon.
In the course of the operation, troops also uncovered a fortified terrorist hideout stocked with substantial winter supplies, including rations and equipment — suggesting the group had prepared for extended stay in the high-altitude forests.
Security forces have deployed drones, sniffer dogs and additional troops to strengthen the perimeter and block escape routes, reports said.
House-to-house searches and increased patrols have been reported in nearby areas as authorities work to prevent any militant movement beyond the immediate encounter zone.
Officials said the operation continues amid challenging terrain and sub-zero temperatures, with commanders keen to conclude the search ahead of Republic Day.
Several locals have been detained for questioning to assist the probe into militant logistics and support networks.