Operation Trashi-I: The Extended Counter-Terrorism Effort in Kashmir's Kishtwar District
In the dense forests of Kishtwar, a joint security operation named Operation Trashi-I has been ongoing for weeks, targeting a group of three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists. This prolonged hunt highlights the significant challenges faced by security forces in the rugged terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Recent Encounter and Ongoing Search
On Wednesday, security forces engaged in a gunfight in the forests of Kishtwar, resulting in the death of a Pakistani terrorist. However, the hunt continues for at least two other militants. This incident marks the fifth gunfight in the last fortnight between forces and the JeM group in this area. Earlier, on January 18, an Army Havildar was killed and seven soldiers were injured when terrorists, positioned at a height in dense forests, opened fire on approaching search parties and escaped.
Since that incident, a coordinated effort involving the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF has been underway to locate the terrorists. During the operation, security forces discovered and destroyed a meticulously built underground hideout, seizing a large quantity of ration stores, including a cooking gas cylinder, packets of instant noodles, rice, and fresh vegetables. Despite this, the terrorists managed to evade capture at that time.
Challenges in the Rugged Terrain
Kishtwar is characterized by its vast, rugged topography, with steep terrain, dense forests, and deep gorges. Covering half of the Kashmir valley's total area, it connects to Anantnag district in the Valley and Doda district in Jammu. The district borders the Zanskar region of Kargil to the northeast and the Chamb area of Himachal Pradesh on the other side, linked by mountainous routes through high-altitude forests spanning nearly 2,000 square kilometres.
An Army officer noted, "The topography poses a significant operational challenge. Some villages are so remote that it takes two days to reach on foot." Additionally, the terrorists avoid using cell phones, leaving no digital footprints, forcing security forces to rely heavily on human intelligence. By the time intelligence is received and operations are launched, the militants often slip away.
The Kishtwar Context and Historical Militancy
Of the ten districts in the Jammu region, Kishtwar was never declared militancy-free and is believed to be home to Jammu and Kashmir's longest surviving militant, Mohammad Amin alias Jahangir Saroori. Saroori has evaded security forces for nearly three and a half decades, attributed to his extensive network of overground workers (OGWs), strong rapport with locals, and hideouts in forested mountainous caves.
While there are no concrete inputs linking the Saifullah-led JeM group to Saroori, police officials cannot rule out access to his vast network of hideouts. In mid-2024, two groups of Pakistani insurgents, each with three to four members, moved into Kishtwar. Three were killed in April 2025 after a year-long pursuit in the Chatroo area, but the other group continues to evade capture.
Recent Offensives and Tactical Insights
In January, security forces launched a major offensive on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountains, which connect the Kashmir valley to Poonch and Rajouri on one side and Kishtwar and Doda on the other, aiming to dislodge the JeM group. The administration also banned trekking in mountainous regions linking the valley with Kishtwar to curb militant movement.
On January 18, forces established contact with the JeM group at Sonnar village in Chatroo, resulting in the death of a special forces paratrooper and injuries to six soldiers, while the insurgents escaped. Over the next twelve days, contact was made three more times, with the last encounter on January 31 in snow-bound dense forests injuring three soldiers.
A senior police officer explained, "In jungle warfare, militants often have an edge. They are stationary and strategically positioned, keeping watch on our movements and opening fire first." The presence of fresh vegetables in the hideout alarmed officials, indicating an elaborate network of sympathizers supplying daily essentials, which complicates counter-insurgency efforts.
Operation Trashi-I underscores the persistent threats in Kashmir and the resilience required by security forces to navigate such challenging environments in their ongoing fight against terrorism.
