In a significant development, security forces have re-established contact with terrorists in Kishtwar district's Chhatru area, who have been evading capture since a deadly encounter on January 18, 2026. This operation marks the latest effort in an ongoing manhunt that has gripped the region for nearly two weeks.
Joint Operation Intensifies in Chhatru
The Army's White Knight Corps, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), launched a coordinated operation based on precise intelligence inputs. The terrorists, who have been on the run since the brief encounter in the Singhpora area of Chhatru, were located in the general area of Dolgam in the early hours of January 31, 2026.
Background of the January 18 Encounter
The initial encounter on January 18 resulted in the tragic death of Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces and left seven other soldiers injured. According to reports, the terrorists, positioned at a height, opened fire on the approaching search party, leading to a fierce exchange. Since that incident, security forces have made two previous attempts to re-engage the terrorists on January 22 and 25, but the militants managed to escape on both occasions.
Ongoing Security Measures
In response to the persistent threat, security personnel have intensified their search and combing operations, venturing deeper into the dense forests from all sides. The White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, confirmed the re-establishment of contact through an official statement on its social media handle, noting that a cordon has been established and operations are currently in progress under Operation TRASHI-1.
Intelligence coordination has been a key factor in this operation, with inputs from all sources being meticulously analyzed to guide ground actions. This development comes just a day after the Jammu and Kashmir Police temporarily suspended high-speed mobile internet services in Chhatru. The suspension was implemented to prevent potential misuse by anti-national elements, which could threaten public order and the security integrity of the region.
Historical Context of Terrorist Activity in Chhatru
For the past two years, Kishtwar's Chhatru area has been a hotspot for terrorist movement, posing ongoing challenges for security forces. In a notable operation last April, joint forces braved hostile terrain, including two to three feet of snow and adverse weather conditions, to eliminate three terrorists in the same area. Officials stated that these slain terrorists were responsible for the deaths of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and two village defence guards in separate attacks during 2024.
The continued vigilance and efforts of the security forces underscore the persistent threat in the region, as they work tirelessly to neutralize terrorist elements and restore peace. The community remains on high alert, with authorities urging cooperation and caution from residents as the operations unfold.
