Fresh Firefight Erupts in Kishtwar as Anti-Terror Operation Continues
An intense gun battle erupted on Thursday between security forces and holed-up terrorists in the dense forests of Singhpora, located within the Chatroo belt in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. This fresh confrontation occurred as Operation Trashi-I entered its fifth day, with extensive search operations continuing across the region.
Renewed Contact After Brief Lull
Following a three-day period of relative calm, security forces re-established contact with a group of terrorists believed to number between three and four individuals. These militants have been on the run since Sunday's initial encounter in Sonnar village near the Line of Control, an engagement that resulted in the tragic death of one soldier and left seven others injured.
Officials reported that heavy fire was exchanged between both sides during Thursday's confrontation before the terrorists managed to escape deeper into the wooded terrain, evading immediate capture.
Expanded Security Operations Across Jammu Region
Simultaneously, authorities launched a comprehensive cordon-and-search operation in the border area of Akhnoor within Jammu district on Thursday morning. This action was prompted by alleged sightings of terror suspects in Sumah locality during the previous night, demonstrating the widespread nature of current security concerns.
On Wednesday, searches under Operation Trashi-I were significantly intensified across multiple locations including Sonnar, Mandral-Singhpora, and adjoining areas in Chatroo. Additional forces were rapidly deployed to the operation site to fortify existing cordons and block potential escape routes that terrorists might attempt to use.
Heightened Vigilance Ahead of Republic Day
With Republic Day approaching, security measures have been substantially increased throughout the Jammu region. Joint teams of security forces conducted thorough door-to-door searches in several sensitive areas, particularly focusing on localities with significant populations of Burmese (Rohingya) and Bangladeshi nationals.
These precautionary searches extended to the Bhatindi-Narwal-Rajiv Nagar areas on the outskirts of Jammu city, as well as across multiple districts including Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Doda. The comprehensive approach reflects security forces' determination to prevent any potential threats during the national celebration period.
Significant Discoveries and Detentions
Earlier in the operation, security forces strengthened their cordon with assistance from aerial surveillance and trained sniffer dogs. This enhanced approach led to the discovery and subsequent busting of a well-concealed terrorist hideout where authorities recovered substantial quantities of essential supplies including rations, utensils, and various consumables.
Following this discovery, three to four local residents from Sonnar village were detained for questioning. Officials expressed suspicion that maintaining such an elaborate setup would have been impossible without assistance from local overground workers sympathetic to the terrorist cause.
Operation Context and Historical Significance
The ongoing Operation Trashi-I represents the third major counter-terrorism operation in the Jammu division this year, following earlier clashes this month in the Kahog and Najote forests of Billawar in Kathua district, located south of the Pir Panjal mountain range.
Tragically, Army Special Forces Commando Havildar Gajendra Singh, who succumbed to injuries on Monday, became the first security personnel to lose his life in a counter-terrorism operation within the Union Territory in 2026, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by security forces.
Kishtwar's Strategic Importance in Counter-Terrorism
Kishtwar district, situated east of the Chenab River and south of the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed intensified counter-terrorism efforts throughout 2025 as security forces tracked Pakistan-based terrorists through challenging terrain characterized by steep slopes and thick forest cover. The region reported at least six gun battles over a seven-month period last year.
On May 22, 2025, an Army trooper was killed and two others wounded during an operation in Chatroo. Just weeks earlier, security forces successfully neutralized three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in the same general area, demonstrating the persistent threat environment.
Security officials emphasize that Kishtwar occupies a strategically significant position along a traditional infiltration corridor used by terrorists crossing from Pakistan. The typical route involves movement through Kathua district initially, followed by passage through Udhampur and Doda districts before terrorists ultimately head toward the Kashmir valley, utilizing dense forest cover to avoid detection throughout their journey.
